Response of 3-way crosses hybrids of Corn (Zea mays L.) to Different fertilizer levels and its effect on growth, yield, Physicochemical and technological characteristics.

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Gemmeiza Research Station, Field Crops Res. Inst, Agric. Res. Center, Egypt in successive seasons (2015 and 2016) to study the response of maize four 3-way crosses (TWC 324, TWC 329, TWC 353 and TWC 354) to different Nitrogen (N) rates on growth, grain yield and technological properties of maize Four 3- way crosses white hybrids (TWC 324 and TWC 329) and yellow hybrids (TWC 353 and TWC 354) were planted under three N rates (120, 135 and 150 kg N Fed-1). Split-plot design with four replications was used. The main plots were devoted to the previous the nitrogen rates, whereas, the sub -plot were allocated to four maize hybrids. The results revealedthatthe effect of nitrogen rate application on 50 % tasseling and 50 % silking as well as plant and ear hight was significant in the second season. The period from planting to 50 % tasseling and 50 % silking decreased significantly by increasing the nitrogen rates up to 150 Kg N/fed in the second season. Three ways cross 353 was the earliest hybrid for number of days to 50% tasseling (58.3 days) and silking (59.3 days) in the first season, respectively. But TWC 354 was the earliest hybrid for number of days to 50% tasseling (59.8 days) and silking (60.8 days) in the second season, respectively. Three ways cross 324 and 329 showed the tallest plant height and ear height, in both seasons. The highest grain yield was obtained by TWC 324 (30.47 and 32.12 ard fed-1) and TWC 329 (28.15 and 26.94 ard fed-1) in both seasons, respectively. In contrast, Interaction effects of nitrogen rates and maize hybrids on grain yield were significant. TWC 324 significantly surpassed all hybrids (32.71 and 33.47 ard/fed) in both seasons, respectively. The grain components parts i.e. endosperm, germ and pericarp, resulted in the variation due to the hybrid and N fertilizer level which was in the line with 1000 kernel weight, and grain density during the two seasons. Protein content increase as N level increase. Meanwhile significantly increase in L* and b* values color and total carotenoids as a results of N levels and hybrids and also the NPK content in the kernels. The product tortilla prepared from white corn hybrids (TWC 324 and TWC 329) were characterized with higher score of organoleptic evaluation than those of yellow corn hybrids (TWC 353 and TWC 354). It could be recommended to produce tortilla for celiac disease adults, where it provides a part of their daily requirements of protein, carbohydrate, calcium, iron and zinc.