Abstract:

【Objective】 The aim of this paper was to identify the main limiting factors for realization of maize yield potential and propose the priorities in development of maize production techniques. 【Method】 The limiting factors to maize production in China including potential physical, biological, and institutional factors were summarized through participatory rural appraisal surveys in 13 maize production provinces and three major maize regions in China. Based on the evaluations of influence magnitude and possibility of solution, the priority list for techniques in maize production was obtained. 【Result】 The top first limiting factor was technical problem related to maize cultivation, such as poor tillage management, extensive cultivation, unfavorable fertilization, nonstandard field management during maize growth, and low rate for technique access, resulting in 28.8%-57.7% of yield loss in various maize regions. The second factor was natural stress, especially drought stress, which caused yield loss by 9.3%-35.1%. The third factor, responsible for 11.4%-19.8% of yield loss, was deficiency of staple cultivars for different eco-regions and the technique systems combined with corresponding cultivars. The seed quality was also involved in the third factor. The fourth factor was represented by soil problems, including serious soil erosion, shallow topsoil, and lean soil. Their influence on maize yield was estimated by 4.8%-20.2%. The last limiting factor was pest (disease, insect, rat, and weed, etc.) damage, which caused 4.5%-11.0% of yield loss. 【Conclusion】Therefore, the technique priorities for policy-markers were suggested as labor-saving cultivation techniques; following by high-yielding cultivars with good quality and multiple resistances to bio- and abio-stresses, adaptation to high-density, as well as identification of staple cultivars in various maize regions; mechanization of maize production;and technique popularization in farmers and effect of the techniques used by farmers.

Key words: maize')">maize, production capacity, limiting factors, assessment, priority