Nitrapyrin Improves Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Summer Maize Waterlogged in the Field

Abstract

Core Ideas Waerlogging decreases N efficiency. Nitrapyrin application increased N efficiency of waterlogged summer maize. Nitrapyrin application increased grain yield of waterlogged maize. Effects of nitrapyrin [2‐chloro‐6‐(trichloromethyl) pyridine] on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of summer maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids Denghai 605 (DH605) and Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) waterlogged in the field were investigated. Results showed that waterlogging significantly decreased NUE, nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP), and nitrogen harvest index (NHI) of summer maize, resulting in the inhibition of N transport and assimilation, and ultimately resulted in a significant grain yield reduction. Grain yields of DH605 and ZD958 were reduced by 38 and 42%, respectively, compared to no waterlogging treatment. However, nitrapyrin application increased N efficiency of waterlogged summer maize. Under waterlogged conditions, nitrapyrin application significantly increased NUE, NHI, and NPFP of DH605 by 9, 10, and 24%, respectively. For ZD958, the respective increases were 13, 11, and 33%. As a result, nitrapyrin application effectively increased grain yield of DH605 and ZD958 by 22 and 33%, respectively, under waterlogged condition. Nitrapyrin application has potential to increase grain yield and NUE of summer maize in waterlogged field.