Comparison of the Yield and Toxicological Properties of Maize Grown as the Main Crop in Batman and as the Second Crop in Mardin in Türkiye

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the yield parameters, toxicological status, microbial contamination levels and color characteristics of different maize (Zea mays L.) varieties grown in two different provinces in Türkiye, as the main crop in Batman province and as the second crop in Mardin province. In the samples evaluated in the research, moisture content was found to be between 9.2–14.1%, thousand grain weight was found to be between 291.9–377.6 g, hectoliter weight was found to be between 77.0–79.1 kg/hl and yield per decare was found to be between 1107–1385.9 kg/da. In the color analyses; brightness (L*) ranged from 56.3–61.7, red-green axis (a*) 8.7–1.20, yellow-blue axis (b*) 36.0–42.6. In toxicological analyzes, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels were determined as 1.69–21.80 ppb, aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) levels as 0.74–0.80 ppb and total aflatoxin content as 1.69–22.60 ppb. It was observed that the determined aflatoxin levels were below the limits specified in the legislation. Yeast and mold growth was detected in 17 (35.4%) of the total 48 maize samples examined. The isolated microorganisms were Penicillium spp. at 31.2%, followed by Alternaria spp. at 14.6%, Aspergillus spp. at 12.5%, and yeast species at 4.16%.Soil analyses indicated that the main crop maize fields were clayey, while second-crop maize fields were clay-loam. The overall findings of the study indicated that the varieties grown as the main crops (especially P2088) were superior in terms of yield and quality parameters. These results demonstrate that cultivation time, soil properties, and genetic diversity have significant effects on maize quality and toxicological safety. Growing maize as the second crop in Mardin province should be considered as an advantage.