Agronomic Response of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. var. rogusa) to Fermented Agar-agar (Eucheuma cottonii) and Methods of Application

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to find out the effects of fermented agar-agar and the methods of application on the different agronomic parameters of sweet corn. Experimental plots were laid out using split-plot in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with rates of fermented agar-agar (FA) such as commercial organic foliar fertilizer (COFF), 20 ml L-1, 30 ml L-1, and 40 ml L-1 in the main plot and the methods of application - surface and sub-surface in the sub-plot. Indigenous microorganisms (IMO) 7 at the rate of 7.5 t ha-1 was applied as a base in all experimental plots. Results revealed that the FA and the methods of the application did not influence on the plant height, ear height, leaf area index (LAI), ear diameter, ear length, number of kernels per ear, number of rows, weight per ear, and ear yield (t ha-1). The interaction effects of fermented agar-agar and the methods of application influenced on the 50% tasselling of sweet corn. The combined effects of COFF and sub-surface application resulted in early tassel formation which is one day earlier compared to other treatment combinations. In terms of ear yield, COFF produced the heaviest weight at 12.05 t ha-1 while sub-surface application produced the heaviest weight at 11.10 t ha-1. Results provide additional information on the effects of fermented agar-agar and the methods of application on sweet corn production. Replication of this study in other locality is recommended to further confirm the results.