POTENTIAL OF NATIVE MAIZE IN THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROPONIC GREEN FODDER UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

Background: Hydroponic Green Fodder (HGF) is a technology that allows the efficient production of fresh forage with a high protein content. Objective:  To analyze the bromatological and productive variables of HGF with four native maize varieties located in the southern region of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Methodology: Bromatological and productive parameters of four varieties of native corn (V1= Soteapan white, V2 = Tulín white, V3 = Mecayapan yellow, V4 = Cosoleacaque white) were analyzed in Acayucan, Veracruz. The productive variables evaluated were height, biomass and potential yield (Py)], while the bromatological were: Dry Matter (DM), Ash (A), Crude Protein (CP), Crude Fiber (CF) and Ethereal Extract (EE), the relationship between the dry weight of the seed (ws) and Py was also analyzed. The experimental design was completely randomized with three replications, using 200 g-1 of seed of each variety placed in germination trays of 30 cm-2, using a nebulization system of 6.6 to 7.2 L h-1 and an irrigation frequency of two minutes every four hours. The variables were analyzed with the Tukey test using SAS University Edition software and Pearson's linear correlation was used to determine the relationship between ws and Py. Results: V1 was the best variety in height (34.3 cm-1), Py (21.5 kg m-2) and PC (22.13%), with 29% more roots and correlating with heavier seeds. Implications: The study was carried out with a nebulization system with a higher frequency of irrigation, since it was carried out in the months of May-June, with temperatures above the average. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the irrigation time according to the environmental conditions. Conclusion: It is concluded that the native varieties V1 and V2 have a high potential for the production of HGF.