Isolation Distance

If possible, the hybrid seed production should be taken either in the area where no other maize variety is planted nearby the seed production plot or at least 400-500 metre distance is required  between two maize genotypes to maintain the genetic purity. This is mainly possible under  "Seed Village Concept" by taking seed production of one hybrid in one village, which is most  convenient for producing the quality seed.

                                                        Photo 3. 1:2 of male-female rows

Male: female ratio

The male: female ratio depends on (a) pollen shedding potential of male parent and (b) male: female synchrony : for better seed setting flowering of female should be earlier than male or male pollen dehiscence  should coincide with female silking. In general the male: female ratio should be 1 :2:1 :2:1 (Photo 3) or 1 :3:1 :3:1 (Photo 4) or 1 :4:1 :4:1.

                                                      Photo 4.1:3 of male-female rows                                                                                                

How to bring male: female synchrony?

Male : female synchrony (Photo 5) can be brought about by

·        Staggered planting of male and female

·        Manipulation in plant distance by spaced and narrow planting

·        Irrigation along with fertilizer application

·        Application of FYM in either male or female to induce earliness and vigor

                                                                   Photo 5. Male-female synchrony