Effect of boron on flowering, yield components and grain yield of two prolific maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids

Abstract

Maize is one of the strategic commodities in economic development in Indonesia. The need for maize in Indonesia continues to increase. Adequacy of nutrients affects the physiological process, where Boron (B) is one of the essential nutrients for optimal plant growth, development, yield, and quality. Nutrition B is important in the development of reproductive organs, components of corn and grain yield. This study aims to examine the effect of B on growth and flowering and its effect on yield components and grain yields of prolific maize hybrid. The study was conducted using Separate Plot Design, as the main plot was Bisi 2 variety and Nasa 29 while subplot was level B: 0 kg B ha-1, 0.25 kg B ha-1, and 0.50 kg B ha-1, by foliar application. The results showed that There is no significant difference between Bisi 2 Variety and NASA 29 in flowering parameters, yield components and yield of seeds except for the number of tassel branches and 1000 grains weight. application B up to 0.50 kg B ha−1 showed the highest results and significantly increased the number of tassel branches 5.10%, tassel length 8.62%, and silk dry weight of 29.54%, cob length 6.89%, grain weight per plant 15.69%, 1000 grains weight 8.36% and grain yield (moisture content 15%) 15.80% of 0 kg B ha−1. Application B 0.50 kg B ha−1 can be recommended in the Bisi 2 and Nasa 29 especially in low soils B.