Application In Maize Research Articles

Spore Production and Inoculum Formulation of Claroideoglomus Etunicatum and its Application in Maize (Zea Mays)

Recently, the demand for AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi) fertilizer for agriculture, plantation, and forestry in Indonesia has been very high. Meanwhile, the unavailability of an applicable AMF inoculum that's easy to use and inexpensive is one of the constraints on AMF application as a fertilizer in the field. It indicates that the best formulated inoculum must be found. The study aimed to produce AMF spores using conventional and hydroponic system, formulate the best AMF inoculum, and measure the growth response in maize (Zea mays) after applying the formulated inoculum. In the formulation stage, the study was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 1 factor. The factor was the type of formulation. Data were analyzed using SAS software version 9 and further tested using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% alpha (α) level. The results reported that the conventional pot culture technique (CVNE2) treatment that had been inoculated by Claroideoglomus etunicatum produced the highest spore density amount of 350 ± 6.97 per 10 g of zeolites (P<0.05). On the other hand, the hydroponic NFT (NFTE2) treatment that had been inoculated by C. etunicatum obtained the highest AMF percent colonization amount of 98% ± 2.66% (P<0.05). Analysis of variance in the formulation stage showed TZ60F1 treatment had a significant effect (P<0.05) in increasing plant height, the number of leaves, and dry weight of Zea mays, respectively 120 cm ± 1.7 cm; 15 ± 0.84; 26.3 g ± 2.46 g in 3 months after application.

High nitrogen application in maize enhances insecticide tolerance of the polyphagous herbivore Spodoptera litura by induction of detoxification enzymes and intensification of cuticle

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most intensively used fertilizers in cropping system and could exert a variety of bottom-up effects on the ecological fitness of herbivores. However, the effects of increased N inputs on insect pesticide tolerance have not been comprehensively understood. Bioassays showed that high N (HN) applied to maize plants significantly increased larval tolerance of Spodoptera litura to multiple insecticides. Activities of detoxification enzymes were significantly higher in the larvae fed on maize plants supplied with HN. RNA-seq analysis showed that numerous GST and cuticle-related genes were induced in the larvae fed on HN maize. RT-qPCR analysis further confirmed four GST genes and larval-specific cuticle gene LCP167. Furthermore, when injected with dsRNA specific to GSTe1, GSTs5, and LCP167, the mortality of larvae treated with methomyl was about 3-fold higher than that of dsGFP-injected larvae. Electron microscope observation showed that cuticle of the larvae fed on HN maize was thicker than the medium level of N. These findings suggest that increased application of N fertilizer enhances insecticide tolerance of lepidopteran pests via induction of detoxification enzymes and intensification of cuticle. Thus, overuse of N fertilizer may increase pest insecticide tolerance and usage of chemical insecticides.

Zinc Biofortification through Biofertilizers, Foliar and Soil Application in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Aims: Here is clearly aim of study is to achieve the maximum grain yield and for improve the economic conditions of farmers. Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design. Place and duration of study: The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of biofertilizers, foliar and soil application of zinc fertilizers in maize (Zea mays L.) at the research farm of the Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab (India) (31o63' N latitude, 74o83' E longitude and 234 m above sea level) during rainy seasons of 2018 and 2019. Methodology: The four levels of biofertilizers and foliar application as main plot [recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF: 150 kg nitrogen: 27.3 kg phosphorus: 25 kg K ha-1), RDF + Zn solubilizing bacteria (ZnSB), RDF + ZnSB + vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) + 0.5% foliar ZnSO4.7H2O) at silking and early milk stage] and four subplot treatment of soil application of ZnSO4.7H2O @ 12, 25 and 50 kg/ha at the time of sowing along with no soil Zn control were evaluated in three replications. Results: Foliar application of zinc in addition to biofertilizers (ZnSB + VAM) produced significantly higher growth, yield and quality over control treatment. Soil application of zinc sulphate (50 kg ha-1) significantly improved growth, grain yield and Zn harvest index, Zn mobilization efficiency index and recovery efficiency over no Zn control treatment. The grain zinc content, zinc uptake and zinc use efficiencies were significantly maximum with the application of VAM + ZnSB along with 0.5% zinc sulphate foliar at silking and early milk stage than ZnSB, VAM and control treatment. Conclusion: Zn application of soil and foliar improved the growth, yield and quality parameters of maize.

Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan Encapsulated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and its Application in Maize under Zinc Deficit Soil

Zinc deficiency is a growing concern among the global population, and it can be attributed to the depletion of significant portions of agricultural land and the production of foods that are low in zinc. In the current study, an efficiency-centric method of maize cultivation with zinc oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in chitosan (Cs-ZnO NPs) is proposed and evaluated. In order to investigate, NPs were chemically synthesized using process improvement for better size and shape and characterized using Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM). The NPs under characterization showed less than 100 nm diametric globular particles. A field experiment was conducted in randomized block design with six different treatments to study the impact of foliar applied Zn at various concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg L-1) through Cs-ZnO NPs on plant growth, SPAD and grain yield in maize plant, with respect to foliar ZnSO4 @0.5 %, chitosan @150 mg L-1 and the control. The highest grain yield of 52.5 q ha-1 in maize was recorded with Zn supplied through Cs-ZnO NPs at 100 mg L-1, compare to other treatments. Similarly significant improvements in plant height and chlorophyll content were noted at 100 mg L-1 Zn through Cs-ZnO NPs. These results indicates that Cs-ZnO NPs can improve grain yield and plant growth performance of maize in a sustainable and efficiency centric manner.

Critical Period of Weed Control in Maize as Influenced by Soil Tillage Practices and Glyphosate Application

Increasing evidence on environmental and economic benefits has raised farmers’ interest in adopting alternative, less intensive soil management practices. To evaluate the influence of weed-competitive ability in response to a different tillage regime, a field study was conducted in maize under humid Central European climatic conditions in Slovenia. This study was established as a split-plot arrangement with three tillage practices (TPs) as the main plot: conventional (CN), conservation (CS), and no tillage (NT); this was combined with glyphosate application and the weed removal timing as the subplot. The weed removal timings were at the V3, V6, V9, V15, and R1 maize stages, with weed-free and weed season-long monitoring. The beginning and the end of the critical period of weed control (CPWC), based on a 5% maize yield loss rate, were determined by fitting the four-parameter log-logistic equations to the relative maize dry grain yield. The weed dry biomass from maize germination until the R1 growth stage in the NT TP was consistently lower than that in the CN and CS TP. Moreover, the NT TP resulted in a shorter CPWC (39 days after emergence (DAE)) compared to the CN (57 DAE) and CS (58 DAE). The results of CTWR (critical timing of weed removal) showed that less intensive tillage operations in the CS resulted in an earlier need for weed control (V2 and 23 DAE) compared to the CN (V3 and 39 DAE) and NT (V3 and 40 DAE). Our study suggests that the intensive tillage operations performed in the CN TP and the pre-sowing use of non-selective burndown herbicide in the NT delay the CTWR by more than 2 weeks, thus reducing the need for early post-emergence herbicide application in maize.

Evaluation of precision nutrient tools and nutrient optimization in maize (Zea mays L.) for enhancement of growth, productivity and nutrient use efficiency

Modern agriculture relies heavily on inputs, with nutrient application being a significant cost factor and a critical driver of crop productivity. Maize, a nutrient-demanding cereal crop, necessitates precise nutrient management to enhance yields. Optimizing nutrient application in maize is essential for timely nutrient supply and improved nutrient use efficiency. Considering these facts, a field study for two consecutive years during 2021-22 and 2022-23 rabi season was conducted by considering 13 nutrient management treatments, which were replicated three times. The treatments included the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with its higher and lower levels in combination with nutrients prescribed by different precision nutrient management tools and the foliar application of nano urea. Among different nutrient management practices, the treatment chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% resulted in taller plant height (240 cm), leaf area (3259 cm2/plant), dry matter accumulation (2069 g/m2) and stem girth (8.1 cm) at harvest. The yield attributes such as number of cobs/ plant (1.78), number of grains/ cob (239.3), weight of cob (312 g) and number of rows/ cob (14.4) were also significantly superior to RDF with the former treatment. As a result, the treatment consisting of chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% produced significantly higher grain (7.74 t/ha), stover (12.40 t/ha) and biological yield (20.12 t/ha) as well as registered higher agronomic nutrient use efficiency. The study concludes that chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% can be adopted in maize cultivation for enhancing growth, productivity and nutrient use efficiency.

Assessment of sludge application in maize (Zea mays L.): influence on crop biomass and heavy metals bioavailability

ABSTRACT Increasing population and subsequent increase in waste necessitate recycling of waste products to minimize the environmental burden. This study was conducted in semi-arid tropics of Punjab to evaluate different rates of sludge application as a supplementary source of nutrients to conventional fertilizers in maize. The grain yield was significantly higher with the application of 5 t ha−1 sludge over control and marginally lower than in 10 t ha−1. Cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) in grains were below international standards even after maximum dose of sludge treatment and can be declared as safe for consumption. The bioconcentration factor of Cd and Ni increased by 82% and 49% with 10 t ha−1 over control, respectively while it remained same for Cr and Pb. Significant increase in exchangeable Cd, Pb in carbonate, and easily reducible oxide, Ni and Cr in residual fraction with 10 t ha−1 sludge over control were found. Mobility of only Pb and Cd increased with increasing sludge treatment. Conclusively, sludge application can be beneficial in increasing plant biomass, however heavy metal accumulation in plants may limit its use. Long-term effect of sludge applications as nutrient sources must be evaluated to get more in-depth insights.

Growth analysis and yield evaluation under tillage and weed management practices in maize-wheat cropping system

Integrated weed management strategies combine tillage systems and weed control strategies. Conservation agriculture (CA) and sustainable intensification cropping systems are potential sources of improved growth and overall productivity. This study evaluated tillage and weed management strategies effects on crop growth parameters and biological yields in maize-wheat cropping system in North Western Himalayan region. Different tillage (five) and weed management practices (three) were evaluated from 2018 to 2020 on growth indices and yield with fifteen treatments. Conservation agriculture (CA) based production system (ZT, zero tillage; crop rotation and intensification; residue management i.e. ZTR-ZTR) had higher crop dry matter accumulation (DMA), relative growth rate (RGR), crop growth rate (RGR) and biological yield of maize (28698 kg/ha) and wheat crops (18750 kg/ha). The zero tillage in maize and wheat (ZT-ZT) resulted in lowest maize (24677 kg/ha) and wheat biological yield (14009 kg/ha. Among weed management treatments, application of recommended herbicides in maize and wheat crop (H-H) resulted in higher crop DMA and biological yield of maize (27652 kg/ha) and wheat crop (19540 kg/ha). Therefore, for North Western Himalayan conditions, ZTR+H-ZTR+H (Conservation tillage combined with herbicide application in maize and wheat) is superior to other combinations for growth and yield.

A Systematic Investigation of Lipid Transfer Proteins Involved in Male Fertility and Other Biological Processes in Maize

Plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) play essential roles in various biological processes, including anther and pollen development, vegetative organ development, seed development and germination, and stress response, but the research progress varies greatly among Arabidopsis, rice and maize. Here, we presented a preliminary introduction and characterization of the whole 65 LTP genes in maize, and performed a phylogenetic tree and gene ontology analysis of the LTP family members in maize. We compared the research progresses of the reported LTP genes involved in male fertility and other biological processes in Arabidopsis and rice, and thus provided some implications for their maize orthologs, which will provide useful clues for the investigation of LTP transporters in maize. We predicted the functions of LTP genes based on bioinformatic analyses of their spatiotemporal expression patterns by using RNA-seq and qRT-PCR assays. Finally, we discussed the advances and challenges in substrate identification of plant LTPs, and presented the future research directions of LTPs in plants. This study provides a basic framework for functional research and the potential application of LTPs in multiple plants, especially for male sterility research and application in maize.

Photosynthetic and yield responses of rotating planting strips and reducing nitrogen fertilizer application in maize-peanut intercropping in dry farming areas.

Improving cropping systems together with suitable agronomic management practices can maintain dry farming productivity and reduce water competition with low N inputs. The objective of the study was to determine the photosynthetic and yield responses of maize and peanut under six treatments: sole maize, sole peanut, maize-peanut intercropping, maize-peanut rotation-intercropping, 20% and 40% N reductions for maize in the maize-peanut rotation-intercropping. Maize-peanut intercropping had no land-use advantage. Intercropped peanut is limited in carboxylation rates and electron transport rate (ETR), leading to a decrease in hundred-grain weight (HGW) and an increase in blighted pods number per plant (NBP). Intercropped peanut adapts to light stress by decreasing light saturation point (Isat) and light compensation point (Icomp) and increasing the electron transport efficiency. Intercropped maize showed an increase in maximum photosynthetic rate (Pnmax) and Icomp due to a combination of improved intercellular CO2 concentration, carboxylation rates, PSII photochemical quantum efficiency, and ETR. Compare to maize-peanut intercropping, maize-peanut rotation-intercropping alleviated the continuous crop barriers of intercropped border row peanut by improving carboxylation rates, electron transport efficiency and decreasing Isat, thereby increasing its HGW and NBP. More importantly, the land equivalent ratio of maize-peanut rotation-intercropping in the second and third planting years were 1.05 and 1.07, respectively, showing obvious land use advantages. A 20% N reduction for maize in maize-peanut rotation-intercropping does not affect photosynthetic character and yield for intercropped crops. However, a 40% N reduction decreased significantly the carboxylation rates, ETR, Icomp and Pnmax of intercropped maize, thereby reducing in a 14.83% HGW and 5.75% lower grain number per spike, and making land-use efficiency negative.

Influence of Different Rates and Frequencies of Zn Application to Maize–Wheat Cropping on Crop Productivity and Zn Use Efficiency

Nowadays, zinc (Zn) fertilizers are commonly used for quality food production globally. Knowledge about proper application time and rates of commercial Zn fertilizers is necessary to obtain higher crop production and improve Zn use efficiency. A long-term field experiment was conducted during 2012 to 2018 at Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat), India, to find out the right Zn fertilizer dose and its frequency of application in maize–wheat cropping systems grown on typic haplustepts soil. The study comprised of three frequency levels, i.e., Zn application in the first year only (F1), alternate year (F2), and every year (F3), with four different rates of Zn, i.e., 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg Zn ha−1 per year imposed in the maize–wheat cropping system in each kharif season (during June to September) for six years. Findings of the study revealed that Zn applications to maize at 7.5 and 10 kg ha−1 in alternate year and 5.0 to 10 kg ha−1 in every year significantly increased maize equivalent yield as compared to no-Zn treatment. Application of 10.0 kg Zn ha−1 per year produced higher grain size, straw, and total Zn concentrations compared to those observed under no-Zn application in maize and wheat crops. Diethylene triamine penta acetic acid extractable Zn concentration in soil was higher in Zn treated plots which received Zn application at 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg ha−1 in alternate years and 10 kg ha−1 in every year as compared to no-Zn application. Apparent Zn recovery efficiency varied from 0.17 to 1.46% for maize crop and 0.34 to 1.70% for wheat crop under different rates and frequencies of Zn application. The above results emphasize the importance of Zn retention capacity of soil regarding its response to different rates and frequencies of Zn application to maize and wheat crops.

Effect of mode of Zinc application on yield and yield components of Maize

There are three main methods of adding micronutrients to crops: soil fertilization, foliar spray and seed treatment. Each method has the potential to affect plant micronutrient nutrition. The objective of this research was to evaluate different methods of Zn application in maize. For this purpose, a field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm of NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar during summer 2006. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block design with three replications. Three methods of Zn application, soil application, foliar spray and seed treatment were included in the experiment. Three doses of Zinc sulphate (5, 10 and 15 kg ha-1) were supplied to the maize crop as soil application before sowing. Solutions of 0% (water), 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% Zinc sulphate were sprayed on the crop at 5-6 leaf stage. For seed priming, the maize seed was soaked in 0% (water), 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% Zinc sulphate solutions for 16 h. The control treatment was dry seeds of maize. Soil application of Zinc sulphate at the rate of 15 kg ha-1 resulted in higher grains cob-1, thousand grain weight and grain yield of maize. Planned mean comparison indicated that soil application of Zn was a superior fertilization method as compared to foliar or seed priming. It is concluded that soil application of Zinc sulphate at the rate of 15 kg ha-1 enhances yield and yield components of maize.

Evaluation of Timing of Nitrogen Application in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown on Coarse Loamy Typic Haplustepts Soil of Punjab: A Review

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a species of Zea mays plant in the Poaceae family, the origin of maize is Mexico, where many diverse types of maize are found. The discovery of fossil maize pollen with other archaeological evidence in Mexico indicates Mexico to be the native of maize. Maize is widely grown all over the world. In 2014, the total world production was 1.04 billion tonnes. The maize plant can grow up to 3m (10 ft) in heights. Although some natural strains can reach a height of 13meters, the stem is typically made up of 20 internodes of 18 cm (7 in) length. The leaves sprout from the nodes and grow alternately on opposing sides of the stem, with complete edges. The stem's tip is capped with a tassel, which is an inflorescence of male flowers. When the tassel matures and the circumstances are warm and dry enough, the anthers on the tassel dehisce and release pollen. Maize pollen is anemophilous (dispersed by wind), and because of its high settling velocity, the majority of pollen falls within a few metres of the tassel. Every year, maize reproduces sexually. This randomly picks half of the genes from a particular plant to propagate to the next generation, which means that beneficial crop qualities (such as high yield or good nutrition) may be lost in the following generations unless specific strategies are utilised. In genetically modified (GM), maize was one of 26 GM crops produced commercially. Nano-fertilizer technology is meant to distribute nutrients in a controlled manner in response to crop needs, allowing nutrient usage efficiency to be enhanced without negative consequences. Maize was used as a model system to evaluate Nitrogen Nano-fertilizer formulations. Nanourea treatment consistently outperformed conventional urea in terms of growth, yield, quality, and nutrient absorption.

Effects of Combined Application of Compost and Mineral Fertilizer on Soil Carbon and Nutrient Content, Yield, and Agronomic Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Maize-Potato Cropping Systems in Southern Ethiopia

Low nutrient input and low soil fertility are limiting agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. The main objectives were therefore to evaluate the effects of combined compost and mineral fertilizer (MF) application on soil properties, yield, agronomic nitrogen use efficiency, and adoption of compost application in maize (Zey mays L.)—potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cropping systems. Yield data were collected from 20 smallholders applying (i) compost and MF at a total rate of 110 kg N ha−1, with 6 Mg compost ha−1 + MF (6CF), 12 Mg compost ha−1 + MF (12CF), and 16 Mg compost ha−1 + MF (16CF; compost on a fresh weight basis), (ii) MF application of 108 kg N ha−1 (F), and (iii) zero fertilization. Soil from 0–20 and 20–40 cm depths was collected from 16 farms using compost and MF. Compost + MF treatments showed significantly lower soil bulk density and iron contents, while pH, electrical conductivity, and cation exchange capacity were higher compared to F treatments. The 6CF, 12CF, and 16CF showed 22, 43, and 54% higher maize grain yield and 8, 16, and 18% higher potato tuber yield compared to F, respectively. The scarcity of organic material was a major socioeconomic constraint for smallholders for producing and applying compost.

Invited review on ‘maize in the 21st century’ Emerging trends of maize biorefineries in the 21st century: scientific and technological advancements in biofuel and bio-sustainable market

The United States is the largest global bioethanol producer and maize is the leading crop contributing towards it. Improvement in maize quality and yeast strains have enhanced ethanol production to a great extent. The high-titer ethanol production from maize biorefineries has enabled the maize biorefineries to meet the government set blending limits, which plateaued the demand for ethanol in the United States. On the other hand, growing industrial biotechnology with an emphasis on sustainability has accelerated demand for bio-based products. Therefore, the focus of maize biorefineries is now shifting on branching out the application of maize towards the bio-based markets. Recent scientific and technological advancements in the field of cellular agriculture, polymer development, and process engineering have diversified the usage of maize and inexpensive coproducts of maize biorefineries. The abundant fermentable sugars, vegetable oil, fiber, germ, and coproducts of maize fermentation have become the new platform compounds to produce next-generation high-value bio-based polymers, bulk and specialty chemicals along with biofuels and food. To meet this growing new demand, traditional maize biorefineries are evolving and positioning themselves in bio-based sustainable market sectors. This review analyzes the recent advancements in science and technologies leading to the emerging trends of maize biorefineries.

Mechanisms Underlying Nutrient Interaction of Compost and Mineral Fertilizer Application in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cropping System in Ghana

Mechanisms underlying interactive effects of nutrient inputs on crop yields are poorly understood especially throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This research thus sought to evaluate the possible mechanisms causing the interaction effects from compost and mineral fertilizer and quantify the relative contribution(s) of the mechanisms to added benefits in grain yield. The research involved a 3-year field experiment followed by a greenhouse incubation study. Both field and incubation experiments were 5 × 5 factorial arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design and Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications, respectively. The factors considered were five levels of mineral fertilizer (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of 90:60:70 kg ha−1 N:P2O5:K2O) and compost (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of 5 Mg ha−1 compost). The mechanisms evaluated were nutrient synchrony, priming, general soil fertility improvement (GFI), and balanced ratio of nutrients. The conjoint application of compost and mineral fertilizer significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced grain yields of maize, with 50%RRMF + 100%RRCo producing the highest average grain yields in 2015 and 2017 with relative average grain yield increases of 167 and 98% over the control (no application), respectively. The conjoint application of nutrients resulted in synergistic and antagonistic interactions. Synergistic interactions were observed in the first 2 years of the study, followed by antagonistic interactions in the third year. Three principal components cumulatively explained 86% of the variation among the mechanisms. The mechanisms which contributed most to the added benefits were priming effect, balanced nutrient ratio, and nutrient synchrony.

Continuous application of conservation tillage affects in situ N2O emissions and nitrogen cycling gene abundances following nitrogen fertilization

Fertilized agricultural soils can be a major source of soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions to the atmosphere. Conservative soil management may have the ability to reduce N2O emissions through affecting a number of N-cycling-related soil biophysical properties. Using in situ N2O measurements combined with the techniques of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), amplicon sequencing, and metagenomic sequencing, we aimed to understand the effects of long-term (>10 y) conservation tillage (i.e., zero- and chisel-till vs. conventional plow-till) on soil N2O production and associated microbial guilds following inorganic N fertilizer application in maize. Between 2017 and 2019, continuous in situ measurements of N2O fluxes indicated that both zero- and chisel-till significantly lowered cumulative emissions within the growing season, compared to plow-till, mainly through shortening the duration and reducing the magnitude of post-fertilization emission events. Conservative soil management, in particular zero-till, consistently increased the Shannon diversity index of bacterial community over the growing season, compared with plow-till. High-frequency qPCR analyses further revealed a clear tillage-induced niche differentiation between nosZI- and nosZII-N2O reducers, as evidenced by the dominant gene abundance of nosZII compared to nosZI in the conservation tillage soil, which eventually probably contributed to the transformation of N2O to N2. Moreover, compared to plow-till, zero-till significantly decreased gene abundances involved in N2O production including the nirS, nirK, and narG genes, but increased abundances of N2O reduction genes such as nosZ during peak N2O emissions. Critically, the abundances of detected species involved in denitrification, such as Deltaproteobacteria_bacterium spp. and Alphaproteobacteria_bacterium spp. were clearly inhibited by zero-till. Overall, the reduced soil N2O emissions under reduced tillage positively and strongly depended on the nosZI-to-nosZII ratio, while increased emissions due to conventional tillage were positively associated with intensified denitrification. Such improvements in understanding of the responses of N-cycling gene abundances to tillage intensity can certainly help in the development of updated soil management practices and adaptative N application strategies to reduce reactive N emissions in agricultural ecosystems.

Evaluation of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under integrated nitrogen management practices and succeeding maize (Zea mays L.) under residual nutrient and weed management practices

A field experiment was conducted at Central Research Station of the College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, during two consecutive kharif and rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 to study the influence of integrated nitrogen management practices on rice and its residual effects on growth, yield attributes and yield of maize with different weed management practices. The field experiment was laid out in a RBD design for rice with four treatments and 15 replications and split-plot design for maize with three replications. The four Integrated nitrogen management (INM) treatments for rice were D1=100% STBN (Soil test based nitrogen) D2=50%STBN+50%FYM, D3=50%STBN+50%VC and D4=50%STBN+50%PM. Maize is taken as the succeeding crop grown with RDF (120-60-60Kg/ha, N-P-K respectively). There were altogether 20 treatment combinations for maize with Main Plot (Nutrient management, i.e. residual nutrients of rice crop) and Sub-Plot (Weed management): W1= Topramezone@25g a.i./ha, W2=Tembotrione@105g a.i./ha,W3=Topramezone@25g a.i. + Atrazine@ 250g a.i./ha as tank mix, W4=Tembotrione@105g a.i./ha + Atrazine@ 250g a.i./ha and W5=Weedy check. Rice yield was found to be maximum under 50% STBN+ 50% VC followed by 50% STBN+ 50% PM. The residual effects of these nutrients practices have found to be influence the growth and yield of succeeding maize crops. Among the nutrient management practices, 50% STBF+ 50% VC gives the highest kernel yield (6.36t/ha) and among the weed management practices combined application of Topramezone@25g a.i. +Atrazine@ 250g a.i./ha as tank mix resulted the maximum kernel yield (7.18t/ha) over both the years. Highest kernel yield of maize, 7.59t/ha was recorded in the treatment combination, comprising 50%STBN+50%VC with Topramezone@25g a.i. +Atrazine@ 250g a.i./ha as tank mix application in maize at 15 DAS.

Potency of Non-Fungicide Chemicals for Maize Inducing Resistance against Downy Mildew

Downy mildew disease control is a big challenge in Indonesia due to ability of pathogen adaptation and favorable environmental condition to the disease. Self-resistance induction by activating plant defense mechanism is a valuable control method to be developed in the future due to its environmentally safety. This study aimed to determine potency of non-fungicide chemicals to suppress downy mildew of maize. The tested chemicals were benzoic acid, sodium benzoic acid, salicylic acid, thiamine, saccharin, and aspirin with a concentration of 2000 ppm. Disease incidence, disease severity, disease progress, leaf tissue lignification, plant growth, chlorophyll content, and plant dry weight were observed to find out the effect of the chemicals application in maize against downy mildew. Results showed that seed application of benzoic acid was able to reduce disease incidence and disease severity by 80%. Benzoic acid treated plants were categorized as moderately resistant until 5-week observation, while inoculated plants (positive control) were susceptible. Based on AUDPC values, plants induced by the chemicals had slower disease development rates compared to positive control. Lignification around the stomata occured in all inoculated plants treated by chemicals. Plant growth between chemical treated plants and negative control (non-inoculated plant) mainly showed no significant different, elaborated that those chemicals were applicable. Chlorophyll content in chemical treated plants was also similar to those of negative control plant. Based on these results, benzoic acid was promoted to be further investigated as maize resistance inducer against downy mildew.

Influence of nutrient management practices and varieties on the productivity and economics of maize (Zea Mays L.) and their residual effect in Gobhi Sarson (Brassica Napus L.) under rainfed conditions

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrient management and varieties of maize on productivity and economics and their residual effect on succeeding gobhi sarson crop. Four nutrient management treatments (viz. site-specific nutrient management, SSNM; recommended fertilizer dose, RFD; 50% RFD and farmer’s practice) were applied to five varieties of maize (viz. PAC 740, PMZ-4, PSCL 4640, HQPM 1, and BISCO 855) during the kharif seasons of 2012 and 2013 at Palampur. The residual effects of fertilizers were studied in succeeding gobhi sarson. The SSNM-based nutrient application in maize significantly increased crop dry matter, cobs/ha, grain yield, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) uptake, succeeding gobhi sarson seed yield, maize grain equivalent yield, net return, profitability, and B:C. The SSNM-based nutrient application in maize resulted in 4.2–4.6% and 32.6–46.2% higher system productivity and Indian Net Rupee (INR) 4,507–4,926 and INR 28,837–30,078 higher net returns of over recommended fertilizer application and farmer practice, respectively. SSNM had lowest productivity cost of INR 3.1/kg grain. Apparent NPK productivity (62.4 kg grain/kg NPK applied) was highest under 50% RFD. BISCO 855 was earliest in silking with bolder grain. PMZ-4 and PSCL 4640 gave significantly higher dry matter, cob number, grain and stover yield, apparent NPK and physiological productivity, maize equivalent yield, net return and B:C, and lower productivity cost. Gobhi sarson seed yield was not significantly affected by preceding maize varieties. For higher system productivity and income from the maize-gobhi sarson, SSNM with PMZ 4 or PSCL 4640 varieties of maize must be adopted.