Cob Weight Research Articles

Effect of Providing Pearl NPK Fertilizer on the Growth and Production of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt)

This research was conducted in the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Klabat University, from August to December 2018. The research aimed to determine the response to the growth and production of sweet corn due to the application of NPK Mutiara fertilizer and to obtain the correct dose of NPK Mutiara fertilizer for the growth and production of sweet corn. This research used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with four levels of treatment, namely T0 (without Mutiara NPK fertilizer treatment) as a control, T1 (2 gr/plant), T2 (4 gr/plant), and T3 (6 gr/plant) where each treatment was repeated four times. The research results were that the dose of Mutiara NPK fertilizer did not influence plant height and number of leaves because the growth response of sweet corn was not large enough to have a real influence on plant height and number of sweet corn leaves. The Mutiara NPK dosage influences the flowering age and cob weight because the response of the sweet corn plants is large. The dose of Mutiara NPK fertilizer does not affect plant height and number of leaves but does affect flowering time and ear weight. The best dose of Mutiara NPK fertilizer is 6 gr/plant.

Effect of Auger Size and Depth of Operation on Bulk Density, Cone Index, Germination, Root Length, Root Weight and Cob Weight for Maize Crop

Minimum tillage methods offer numerous benefits compared to conventional tillage, including reduced farm operations to establish a good seedbed. Spot tillage, in particular, has advantages such as preserving soil structure, preventing erosion, saving time and energy, and reducing input costs. For this study, the effect of different auger size (40, 50 & 70mm) which was operated by 12V DC motor at different depth of operations (80, 120 & 160mm) were determined. The different parameters were measured such as bulk density, cone index, germination percentage, root length, root weight and cob weight for maize crop (GAYMH-3) and same for traditional sowing method. The results showed that auger size (40, 50 & 70mm) and depth of operation (80, 120 & 160mm) significantly influenced bulk density as bulk density of the soil increased with depth and decrease with increase in auger size. The larger auger (70mm) resulting in lower values in bulk density due to more soil removal. However, cone index was not significantly affected by auger size (40, 50 & 70mm) and depth of operation (80, 120 & 160mm). Seed germination for maize was consistently around 90%, with no significant effects of auger size and depth of operation were observed. An auger size (70mm) was associated with shorter root lengths. Increasing depth resulted in greater root development, leading to longer roots was observed in small size augers. Larger auger size and deeper depths generally resulted in higher root weights. Cob weight increased with auger size (70mm) and deeper depths. Auger size and depth significantly impacted cob weight. Overall, results showed that auger having the size of 70mm and depth of operation at 160mm was desirable compared to other auger size in terms of lower bulk density and cone index but increased root weight and cob weight of maize crop.

INFLUENCE OF ROW SPACING ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF MAIZE HYBRIDS OF DIFFERENT MATURITY GROUPS

Growing corn is a complex process, the success of which depends on compliance with the cultivation technology. Increasing the productivity of modern maize hybrids without incurring high cultivation costs is possible primarily by optimizing the plant nutrition area by using different row spacing. The research on this topic was conducted during 2021-2022 in the conditions of Organic-D LLC in the village of Sutisky. We have found that row spacing significantly affects the complex of economically valuable traits and productivity of corn plants. Reducing the row spacing from 70 to 45 cm, especially for mid-early and mid-season maize hybrids, increases the competition of plants for light and promotes plant elongation and linear growth by 2-5 cm. Increasing the row spacing from 45 to 70 cm has a positive effect on increasing the length and weight of cobs in the group of medium-early and medium-ripening maize hybrids, causing an increase in the number of rows of grains by 1.2-1.3 pcs. For the group of early maturing hybrids, the change in row spacing did not have a significant effect on cob length and cob weight. The largest number of cobs at a row spacing of 45 cm was formed by early ripe corn hybrids Dniprovskyi 181 SV - 76.3 thousand pieces per hectare and DMS Coral - 75.8 thousand pieces per hectare. The use of row spacing of 70 cm for the mid-early and mid-season group contributes to the formation of the largest number of cobs for the mid-season hybrid - Vizir - 84.1 thousand units per hectare and the mid-early Bogatyr - 81.8 thousand units per hectare. Extending the duration of the growing season in the studied maize hybrids requires the use of row spacing of 70 cm, while the number of grains in a number of medium-early and medium-ripening hybrids increases by 4.2-9.5 pcs. The increase in yield due to the use of row spacing of 70 cm was significant for mid-early and mid-season hybrids and amounted to 0.36-2.07 t/ha, compared to the row spacing of 45 cm.

Effect of Primary, Secondary and Micro Nutrients on Maize Yield in the Wenchi Municipality, Ghana

One of the major constraints related to maize (Zea mays L.) productivity is low soil fertility related mainly to continuous cropping without replenishment of depleted nutrients. In view of this, this study sought to assess the effect of different combinations of primary and secondary nutrients on the yield of maize in the Wenchi Municipality in the Brong-Ahafo Region. Five treatments - Control (T1), NPK (T2), NPK + S + Mg + Ca+ B + Cu + Mo+ Zn (T3), Manure (T4) and T3 + Manure (T5) - were tested in a field experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. The test crop was Lake 601 maize variety.Data for the research was collected on total number of plants, stalk weight, hurst weight, cob weight, grain weight Nutrient Use Efficiency and Economic Viability. The data was analysed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) on all measured parameters and the results were presented in graphs. From the results gathered, it was realized that the application of NPK + Sec_MN had a more positive impact on dry shoot weight and grain weight.The results obtained from the field experiment also indicated that it was more efficient to combine both NPK and secondary nutrients in maize production compared to applying the other treatments assessed in the study; such that, the combined effect gave more yield and subsequently generated more money (income).Based on the results obtained in the research, it was recommended that; much attention should be given to T3 (NPK + Sec_MN). Possibly, different doses of this treatment should be further tested to know the actual extent at which the secondary nutrients and the NPK can be combined to give the maximum yield. Similar research should also be staged at a different location to know whether similar results would be obtained.

Effect of Combined FYM and P Fertilizer Application on Soil Health and Crop Performance

ABSTRACT Intensive cultivation is a threat to soil health. Holistic management strategies are necessary to rejuvenate soil health. Farmyard manure (FYM) application is an alternative option to rejuvenate soil health and crop productivity. A short-term field study was conducted at UAF-Pakistan to evaluate the co-application of FYM and inorganic fertilizer (Di-ammonium Phosphate; DAP) for rejuvenation of soil health and maize productivity. Treatments included four levels of phosphorus (P) at a rate of 0, 90, 120, and 150 Kg ha−1 alone and in combination with two levels of FYM with the rate of 0 and 10 tons ha−1 in two-factor randomized complete block design with three replicates. Total eight treatments were maintained as T1 (control), T2 (90 Kg ha−1 P), T3 (120 Kg ha−1 P), T4 (150 Kg ha−1 P), T5 (10 tons ha−1 FYM), T6 (90 Kg ha−1 P and 10 tons ha−1 FYM), T7 (120 Kg ha−1 and 10 tons ha−1 FYM), and T8 (150 Kg ha−1 P and 10 tons ha−1 FYM). Data analysis showed that treatment T8 significantly (P ≤ .005) improved the plant height (15.31%), cob length (21.33%), cob weight (36.92%), 1000 grains weight (4.89%), grain yield (31.21%), PUE (39%), and soil physical properties over control. Overall, we concluded integrated application of FYM and DAP increases nutrient use efficiency and maize productivity.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENCES IN PLANTING DISTANCE ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF Zea mays in RED-YELLOW PODZOLIC SOIL

The problem that occurs in efforts to increase zea mays production is low land productivity, especially for red-yellow podzolic soil types. Setting plant spacing is an important factor to increase crop production easily and not increase production costs. Increasing the plant population per unit area can increase yields, but if the plant population continues to be increased, the yield will actually decrease. The aim of this research was to determine the response of growth and production of Zea mays to plant spacing treatments and to determine the correct planting distance with a high growth and production response. This research used a Randomized Block Design with 4 treatments, namely: P1 = planting distance 100 x 20 cm; P2 = planting distance 80 x 20 cm; P3 = planting distance 60 x 20 cm; and P4 = planting distance 40 x 20 cm; and repeated 3 times. Observation variables included plant height, ear weight, ear diameter, ear length, and sweetness level. The data analysis used was analysis of variance to determine whether the treatments were significantly different or not and continued with the LSD test with a significance level of 5%. The research results showed that differences in the planting distance of Zea mays on red-yellow podzolic soil had an effect on plant height, cob weight without corn husks, cob weight with corn husks, and cob length. Treatments P1 and P2 were the best treatments for the variables plant height, cob weight without corn husks, and cob weight with corn husks. Meanwhile, for the cob length variable, the best treatment is the P1 treatment.

Application Of Organic Fertilizer Raw Materials Of Chromolaena odorata And Mycorrhizal Fungi On Local Corn Plant In Sub-Optimal Land)

. Application of organic fertilizer raw materials Chromolaena odorata and mycorrhizal fungi is one solution to improve the physical, chemical and biological soil at sub-optimal land and reduce environmental pollution due to excessive use of inorganic fertilizers on the local corn plant. The aim of study was to evaluated the role of bokashi C.odorata and mycorrhizal fungi in improving the growth and production of local corn. The research design used was a factorial randomized block design (RBD), consisting of two factors. First factor was the dose of bokashi fertilizer (C), consisting of 4 treatment levels, namely: 0; 2; 4 and 6 t ha-1. Second factor was mycorrhizal fungi (F) inoculation, consisting of 3 treatment levels, namely, 25; 50 and 75 g planting holes-1. Bokasi fertilizer C.odorata and mycorrhizal fungi were significant on growth and production variables, such as: plant height (cm), leaf area index (cm2), RGR (g..g-1.day-1), dry weight of corn cobs (g), and dry seed production (ton ha-1). The Result of combination bokashi fertilizer C.odorata (6 tons ha-1) and mycorrhizal fungi (50 g planting hole-1) was the best treatment with obtained Konawe local dried corn production of 4.48 tons ha-1.

Correlation and variability analysis for yield and related traits of sweet corn in backcross populations

The 14 biometrical traits of sweet corn were studied in BC2F2 and BC2F3 generations of SCM-Se-Y-1 x UMI 1230β+ to analyse the mean performance and frequency distribution patterns to select potential individuals with high yielding agronomic traits. The mean, GCV, PCV, heritability, and GAM were calculated for all the recorded traits. The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed the strong and positive association of cob weight with cob length, number of kernels in a row and number of kernel rows per cob. Similarly, single plant yield shows positive correlation with number of kernels per row, number of kernel rows per cob, cob length and cob weight. The populations exhibit high PCV than the GCV, which reflects the direct influence of environments on trait performance. The BC2F2 generation exhibits greater trait variability, while BC2F3 shows signs of stabilization. Both generations display high heritability, indicating strong genetic influences for yield related traits. Heritability and GAM for the trait cob weight and single plant yield were higher, which gives added advantage for isolating the superior individual. The results of this study suggest that the selection of agronomical traits to enhance yield in sweet corn is of utmost importance due to its far-reaching economic, nutritional, and environmental implications.

Effect of Nano-Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Summer Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) in Gangetic Plains of India

Nano fertilizer contains the nutrients in a concentrated and energy farm which would also pave the way to have a successful harvest without soil application and to reduce the ill effect on soil. In this regard, the present experiment was carried out over two years at BCKV, West Bengal, India in the Gangetic alluvial soil, to assess the impact of nano fertilizer management on growth and yield of summer hybrid maize cv. ‘Kaveri 50’. The treatments comprised different percentage of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with or without nano fertilizer application. Results revealed that application of 50 % RDZn and 100 % N-P-K along with 2 foliar sprays of Nano-Zn @ 4 ml litre-1 at 25 and 50 DAS (T8) recorded better results of growth attributes. The yield attributes like number of cobs plant-1 (1.30), cob length (21.30 cm), cob girth (16.25 cm), number of rows cob-1 (13.97), number of grains cob-1 (317.6), seed index (25.40 g) and single cob weight (128.74 g) also found highest from the same treatment. Higher grain (8.16 t ha-1) and stover yield (12.22 t ha-1) were recorded in T8 treatment and yield variation was 2.21 to 63.86 % over control with highest benefit-cost ratio (2.35). Hence, application of 50 % RDZn and 100 % N-P-K along with 2 foliar sprays of Nano-Zn @ 4 ml litre-1 at 25 and 50 DAS could be more effective in augmenting yield, available nutrient status and economics of summer maize in the Gangetic plains of India.

Optimalisasi Pengaturan Jarak Tanam dan Pemberian Pupuk P Terhadap Produksi Tanaman Jagung Pulut (Zea mays ceratina kulesh)

Pulut corn is a type of corn that has a fluffier taste and has the advantage of being able to keep blood sugar levels stable. The need for corn commodity continues to increase along with the increase in population. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of spacing and application of P fertilizer on growth and production of corn pulut. This research was conducted in September 2022-November 2022 in Antirogo Village, Sumbersari District, Jember Regency. The research design used was a factorial randomized block design (RBD). The first factor is the spacing consisting of conventional spacing of 70cm x 20 cm and row spacing of 2:1 legowo with a spacing of 40cm x 20 cm x 100 cm. The second factor is the application of P fertilizer with 5 levels, respectively 100kg/ha, 125kg/ha, 150kg/ha, 175kg/ha, and 200kg/ha. There was an interaction between the treatment of jajar legowo spacing and 200 kg/ha P fertilizer on stem diameter. Treatment Jajar legowo spacing has a significantly different effect on the observation of cob diameter and light intercept. Meanwhile, the P fertilizer treatment had a significantly different effect on cob weight. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the use of a spacing of 70 x 20 cm can increase cob diameter and P fertilization at a dose of 100 kg/ha can increase cob weight.

Effect of strigolactone on growth, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant activity, and osmolytes accumulation in different maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids grown under drought stress

ABSTRACT Drought alters plant physiology, morphology, and biochemical pathways, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. Strigolactones (SLs) are phytohormones known to enhance plant growth under abiotic stress. However, their specific impact on drought stress in maize remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the optimal SL concentration for mitigating drought stress in two maize hybrids (HY-1898, FH-1046). Maize plants were subjected to 60% field capacity drought stress in a pot experiment. After 40 d, different concentrations (0, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mg L−1) of the synthetic SL analogue GR24 were applied to evaluate their effects on growth features, photosynthesis attributes, and osmolyte accumulation in the maize hybrids. Results showed that exogenous SL application significantly increased photosynthetic pigments in maize hybrids under drought stress. Chlorophyll content, gas exchange characteristics, net CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and antioxidant activities were enhanced by GR24. Leaf ascorbic acid and total phenolics also increased with SL application. Organic osmolytes, such as glycine betaine and free proline, were elevated in both maize hybrids under drought stress. Yield-related parameters, including cob diameter, cob weight, number of seeds per cob, and number of seeds per plant, were significantly increased by GR24 under drought stress. Our findings highlight the potential of GR24 foliar application to mitigate drought stress and promote maize growth and grain yield in a concentration-dependent manner. The minimum effective SL concentration against drought stress was determined to be 0.01 mg L−1. Overall, foliar application of GR24 could serve as a sustainable approach for drought tolerance in agriculture.

Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Jagung Manis (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.) Dengan Pemberian Pupuk Organik Cair Daun Lamtoro dan Pupuk NPK

The use of organic fertilizers such as lamtoro leaf liquid organic fertilizer can be used to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers in sweet corn cultivation. This study aims to obtain the concentration of lamtoro leaf liquid organic fertilizer and the efficient dose of NPK fertilizer for the growth and yield of sweet corn plants. The research was carried out at the UARDS Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, UIN Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau. The study used a randomized block design (RBD) with 2 factors, namely the concentration of lamtoro leaf liquid organic fertilizer (0%, 30% and 50%) and the dose of NPK fertilizer (0 kg/ha, 200 kg/ha and 300 kg/ha). The results showed that treatment with a concentration of 30% POC in lamtoro leaves was efficient in increasing plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter. Treatment with a dose of 200 kg/ha of NPK fertilizer was efficient in increasing the number of leaves, stem diameter, cob length and cob weight without cob. There was no interaction between the POC treatment of lamtoro leaves and NPK fertilizer for all observed parameters in sweet corn plants.

Aplikasi Bokashi dan Defoliasi Daun terhadap Produksi Benih Jagung (Zea mays L.)

In Indonesia, corn (Zea mays L.) is the second biggest staple crop after rice. This research aims to find out the effect of application bokashi and leaf defoliation on the production of corn seeds. This research was carried out from August - November 2022 at the state polytechnic fields, Antirogo. This research used a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two treatment factors and three repetition. The first factor is application bokashi with 3 level, 10 tons /ha (B1), 15 tons /ha (B2), 20 tons /ha (B3). The second factor is leaf defoliation with 3 level, 2 leaves (D1), 3 leaves (D2), 4 leaves (D3). The data were analyzed using ANOVA and further tested using the Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with a level of 5%. The results research shows that application bokashi 20 tons/ha and leaf defoliation 4 leaves are influential in the cob weight per plant of 306,27 grams, seed weight per cob of 148,29 grams, and seed production per hectare of 9,36 tons/ha.

Pengaruh Jarak Tanam dan Interval Waktu Defoliasi Daun terhadap Produksi Benih Jagung (Zea mays L.)

One of the efforts to increase corn seed production with repairs cultivation corn plants techniques. The way to repairs with modification planting distance and leaf defoliate. This study aims to determine the effect of the planting distance and time intervals of leaf defoliation toward production of corn seed. The research was conducted on the research fields in State Polytechnic of Jember from August until November 2022. The research used factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) method with 3 replications. The data will be analyzed using ANOVA and continued with DMRT test at 5% level. The first factor is the planting distance of (70 × 20 cm), (70 × 25 cm), and (70 × 30 cm). The second factor is the time intervals of leaf defoliation 56 days after planting, 63 days after planting, and 70 days after planting. The result showed that the planting distance and time intervals of leaf defoliation gave the significant effect for almost all parameters. The interaction between planting distance of (70 × 30 cm) and time intervals of leaf defoliation 70 days after planting has significant effect on the parameters of cob weight (316,01 gram), seed weight per cob (201,58 gram), and seed production per hectare (7,04 ton/Ha).

Optimasi Jarak Tanam dan Pemberian Asam Humat Untuk Meningkatkan Produksi Benih Jagung (Zea mays L.)

Fluctuations in maize production make Indonesia often dependent on imports. Low productivity is one of the problems of low maize production. Increasing maize productivity can be supported by improving cultivation methods through increasing plant spacing and applying organic fertilizers. This study aims to determine the optimal optimization of plant spacing and complementary organic fertilizer to increase maize seed production. This research was conducted in the paddy field of Tegal Gede Village, Sumbersari Subdistrict, Jember Regency, this research used a factorial group randomized design with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was the optimization of planting distance, namely 60 x 25 cm, 75 x 25 cm, and 90 x 25 cm, while the second factor was the application of humic acid, namely 10 kg/ha, 20 kg/ha, and 30 kg/ha. and 30 kg/ha. The results showed that the interaction of 90 x 25 cm spacing optimization and 30 kg/ha of humic acid on the parameters of corn cob weight and dry weight of kernels showed the best results. The parameter of seed production weight per hectare which gives a high amount in the treatment of optimization of plant spacing 60 x 25 cm and 20 kg/ha of humic acid with a yield of 6.2 tons

Effect of Organic Manures and Bio-fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn

A field experiment was conducted during zaid 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) to determine the “Effect of Organic manures and Bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of baby corn”. There were nine treatments each replicated thrice and the experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design. The experiment involves the organic manures like Farm Yard Manure (FYM)- 20t/ha, Poultry Manure- 4t/ha, Vermicompost- 4t/ha along with the combination of biofertilizers such as, Azotobactor (20g) and Azospirillum (20g). The results revealed that, significant and higher plant height (138.7 cm), plant dry weight (55.49 g), maximum number of cobs/plant (1.93), cob length (19.1 cm), cob weight (52.54 g), stover yield (22.05 t/ha) and harvest index (29.15%) were recorded with poultry manure (4t/ha) + Azotobactor (20g) + Azospirillum (20g).

Genetic variability and correlation studies of yield and yield related attributes in BC2F2 population of sweet corn

The present study was carried out to study the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance as percent of mean, correlation, skewness, and kurtosis of the backcross population BC2F2 derived from the cross SCM-Se-Sh-2 × DBT 17. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for cob girth, number of kernels per row, cob weight, 100 grain weight and single plant yield, suggesting additive gene action and selection of progenies based on this trait will result in higher genetic gain. Association studies showed that single plant yield was positively correlated with all yield attributes, viz., cob weight, number of kernels per row, 100 grain weight and plant height. These results depicted that cob weight, numbers of kernels per row and 100 grain weight may be used as reliable criteria for improving grain yield. Single plant yield, 100 grain weight, cob weight and plant height showed positive skewness and platykurtic distribution. This indicates that traits are governed by a large number of genes, and most of the genes exhibited complementary gene action, suggesting rigorous selection to achieve genetic gain. Overall, it is seen that this population has potential for yield improvement with enriched beta-carotene content.

Assessment of Various Variability Parameters and Correlation of Quantitative Characters in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines

The present research problem was carried out to assess the variability parameters, heritability, genetic advance and correlations among various quantitative traits in maize inbred lines. A total of 69 inbred lines were evaluated in alpha lattice design with 2 replications at Winter Nursery Centre, Hyderabad. ANOVA results displays genotypes were significantly different from each other. From the results it was depicted that Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) was higher than Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) indicating the influence of environment. The traits, No. of kernels per row, Cob weight, Grain yield per cob showed high GCV and PCV values likewise Days to 50% tasseling, Days to 50% silking and Days to 75% dry husk showed low GCV and PCV values. Most of the characters showed high heritability and traits such as Plant height, Tassel length, Ear length, No. of kernels per row, Cob weight and Grain yield per cob showed high GAM and its values ranged from 21.5% to 101.30%. So, the traits such as No. of kernels per row, Cob weight and Grain yield per cob can be used for further crop improvement in the breeding programme. Of all the traits under study except, Days to 50% tasseling, Days to 50% silking and Days to 75% dry husk showed positive significant correlation with grain yield per cob indicating selection for the traits will enhance the grain yield whereas the excepted traits showed negative significant association with grain yield per cob indicating selection for these traits is also essential as it reduces duration of crop.

Morphophysiological responses and tolerance of various sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata) hybrids to shade stress

Abstract. Utari VF, Chozin MA, Hapsari DP, Ritonga AW. 2023. Morphophysiological responses and tolerance of various sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata) hybrids to shade stress. Biodiversitas 24: 4438-4447. Expanding lands for cultivating sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata) is a strategy to increase its production. Yet, the available lands for sweet corn extensification might be those with existing tree stands with some extent of shading. Planting sweet corn under tree stands affects its growth and productivity since there is a reduction in light intensity, but some superior varieties might tolerate such stress. This study aimed to determine the growth, yield, and shade-tolerance levels of several sweet corn genotypes under shade stress. The experiment adopted a randomized complete block design consisting of two factors, namely shading (i.e. control or 0% shade and 50% shade) and sweet corn genotype (16 genotypes). The observed parameters included morphological traits (plant height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, and stem diameter), physiological traits (stomatal density and trichome density), yield attributes (cob weight with husks, cob weight without husks, cob length, cob diameter, and total soluble solid), and stress tolerance index (STI). The tested genotypes responded differently to shading. In general, 50% shade significantly reduced cob production, with an average decrease of more than 50% compared to the control. Commercial varieties, namely Exotic (G13), Talenta (G14), Paragon (G15), and Golden Boy (G16), had relatively higher STI values compared to the hybrids. Among the hybrids, the highest STI values were observed for genotypes resulting from the crosses SM7-8 × SM12-2 (G11) and SM11-6 × SM12-2 (G12). The results of this study recommend that commercial varieties can be cultivated under tree stands or low light intensity and can be used to develop high-yielding shade-tolerant sweet corn varieties.

Genetic Studies for Yield Components and Screening for Drought Tolerance at Seedling Stage of Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes

A field experiment involving 30 genotypes of maize was carried out under the field condition during Rabi 2021-2022 to study the association of yield contributing characters among themselves along with direct and indirect effects on grain yield per plant and identify the genotypes which are highly efficient with respect to different PEG induced drought stress. The results of the study revealed that plant height, leaf length, ear height, number of grain rows per cob, number of grains per row, cob girth, cob weight, biological yield per plant, 100 grains weight and harvest index showed positive significant association with grain yield per plant both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Plant height showed positive significant association with leaf length, ear height, number of grain rows per cob, cob girth, cob weight, 100 grains weight, biological yield per plant and grain yield per plant. Days to fifty per cent silking, anthesis to silking interval, days to maturity, number of grain rows per cob exhibited negative direct effect while number of cobs per plant, leaf width, cob length, cob weight, biological yield per plant and harvest index exhibited positive direct effect on grain yield per plant. For improvement of seed yield, attention should be given for traits such as cob weight, biological yield per plant and harvest index which showed high positive correlation coefficients with a considerable direct and indirect effect on grain yield. MGC-192 has shown high root length, shoot length, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index 1, seedling vigour index II, germination percentage and MGW-392 has shown high relative water content under PEG induced stress condition, hence this genotype is suggested for future selection.