Husked Ear Research Articles

Agronomic Responses of Sweet Corn - Peanut Intercropping to Liquid Organic Fertilizer Grown in Different Dosages of Vermicompost

Applying organic fertilizer and intercropping systems are among the techniques for preserving land sustainability in organic vegetable production systems. In organic vegetable production, the use of liquid organic fertilizer has been suggested in addition to the use of solid organic fertilizer. This study evaluates how growth and yields of sweet corn and peanuts grown utilizing row intercropping respond to different vermicomposting dosages. A factorial experiment is arranged using a split-plot design with three replicates. The main plot is vermicomposting dosages; 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 Mg/ha, and the sub-plot was the applications of liquid organic fertilizer, not fertilized and fertilized with liquid organic fertilizer. Results show that the application of liquid organic fertilizer elevated plant height and leaf area, length, diameter, and weight of husked ears of sweet corn. Vermicomposting increased plant height, husked ear length, husked ear diameter, and husked ear fresh weight of sweet corn. Twenty Mg/ha is the best dosage for producing sweet corn intercropped with peanuts. However, using vermicompost and liquid organic fertilizers did not increase the growth and yields of peanuts. Evaluation of nutrient uptakes by intercropped crops, sweet corn, and peanut, in organic production systems, should be the subject of further study.

Optimisasi Pemanfaatan Pupuk Vermikompos dalam Meningkatkan Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Jagung di Tanah Entisol Pesisir Pantai

Entisol has poor physical, chemical, and biological properties that limit the growth and yield of maize. This study aimed to obtain the correct dose of vermicompost to increase the growth and yield of maize on Entisols. The research was arranged using Randomized Block Design, consisted of 7 treatment doses of vermicompost fertilizer (0; 2.5; 5; 7.5; 10; 12.5; and 15 Mg ha-1 and 4 re;plications. The results showed that the dose of vermicompost significantly affected the growth and yield of maize in coastal entisol soils. The dose of 10 Mg ha-1 was the best on plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, plant dry weight, shoot fresh weight, fresh root weight, and shoot and root dry weight. Meanwhile, the dose of 12.5 Mg ha-1 produced the best maize yields for the fresh weight of husked ear per plant, fresh weight of unhusked ear per plant, and dry grain weight per plant, namely, 322.75 g, 286.66 g, and 173.4 g, respectively. The best results of fresh weight of husked ear per plot, fresh weight of unhusked ear per plot, and dry grain weight per plot were achieved by vermicomposting of 15 Mg ha-1, which were 11.28 kg, 9.72 kg, and 5.94 kg, respectively. 
 
 Keywords: coastal, Entisol, maize, vermicompost, yield

Nitrogen fertilization split in green corn under rainfed system

The objective of this work was evaluating the nitrogen fertilization splitting on the performance of green corn, grown in rainfed system. The experiment was carried out in Forquilha, Ceará state. Two varieties of corn (Sweet and Gorutuba) were used in the experiment, grown in five types of nitrogen fertilization in the crop cycle (one; three; six; nine and twelve applications). The variables evaluated were: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves of the plant, plant fresh mass, plant dry mass, ear mass plant-1, marketable ear mass plant-1, marketable husked ear mass plant-1, marketable unhusked ear mass plant-1, number of ear plant-1, number of marketable ear plant-1, length of husked marketable ear, length of marketable unhusked ear, diameter of marketable husked ear, diameter of marketable unhooked ear, number of rows marketable ear-1 and number of grains row-1 of marketable ear. The data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test (P < 0.05) and the treatment means were compared by the test of Tukey (P < 0.05) and subjected to regression analysis. It was observed that the split of nitrogen fertilization promoted the development of the two varieties of corn studied. It was found that the split, performed in six applications, provided greater vegetative and reproductive development of the corn varieties.

SALINE WATER AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON LEAF COMPOSITION AND YIELD OF CORN

ABSTRACT Absence of drainage associated with high evapotranspiration and irregular precipitations contributes to the accumulation of salts in the soil, reducing nutrient absorption and yield. Nutritional management is important for the crop to express its maximum production potential, and nitrogen is the macronutrient most required by the corn crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate yield and leaf contents in corn under different nitrogen fertilization recommendations and salt stress. The experiment was conducted from June to September 2019, at the University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony in Redenção-CE, Brazil. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, with 6 replicates, with two levels of electrical conductivity (0.3 dS m-1 and 3.0 dS m-1) and three nitrogen fertilization recommendations (0, 50 and 100% of the recommendation). The variables analyzed were unhusked ear weight, husked ear weight, yield and leaf contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na. Irrigation with saline water (3.0 dS m-1) reduces the unhusked ear weight, husked ear weight and yield. Nitrogen fertilization recommendations of 50% and 100% promoted higher values of unhusked ear weight, husked ear weight and leaf N contents, but reduced leaf P contents. The 50% and 100% recommendations promote higher yield values for the two levels of electrical conductivity studied (0.3 and 3.0 dS m-1). The 50% and 100% recommendations associated with saline water irrigation increased the leaf contents of K, Na, Mg and Ca.

EarCV: An open‐source, computer vision package for maize ear phenotyping

AbstractFresh market sweet corn (Zea mays L.) is a row crop commercialized as a vegetable, resulting in strict expectations for ear size, color, and shape. Ear phenotyping in breeding programs is typically done manually and can be subjective, time consuming, and unreliable. Computer vision tools have enabled an inexpensive, high‐throughput, and quantitative alternative to phenotyping in agriculture. Here we present a computer vision tool using open‐source Python and OpenCV to measure yield component and quality traits relevant to sweet corn from photographs. This tool increases accuracy and efficiency in phenotyping through high‐throughput, quantitative feature extraction of traits typically measured qualitatively. EarCV worked in variable lighting and background conditions, such as under full sun and shade and against grass and dirt backgrounds. The package compares ears in images taken at varying distances and accurately measures ear length and ear width. It can measure traits that were previously difficult to quantify such as color, tip fill, taper, and curvature. EarCV allows users to phenotype any number of ears, dried or fresh, in any orientation while tolerating some debris and silk noise. The tool can categorize husked ears according to the predefined USDA quality grades based on length and tip fill. We show that the information generated from this computer vision approach can be incorporated into breeding programs by analyzing hybrid ears, capturing heritability of yield component traits, and detecting phenotypic differences between cultivars that conventional yield measurements cannot. Ultimately, computer vision can reduce the cost and resources dedicated to phenotyping in breeding programs.

Maize crop yield in function of salinity and mulch

ABSTRACT Irrigation with saline water affects the agronomic performance of the maize crop; however, the use of vegetal mulch may mitigate salt stress and promote an increase in yield. In this way, this study aimed to evaluate the grain yield of the maize plants submitted to different water salinity levels in the presence and absence of mulch. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme. The first factor was the salinity of the irrigation water (1.0 and 4.0 dS m-1) and the second, with and without mulch, and five replicates. The variables analyzed were: unhusked ear mass, husked ear mass, cob mass, straw mass, husked ear diameter, husked ear length, and yield. The irrigation water with higher electrical conductivity affects negatively the ear mass with and without straw, ear diameter and ear length. The use of vegetation cover on the soil increased the unhusked ear mass with and without straw, ear diameter and length. The water with higher salinity (4.0 dS m-1) reduces the maize grain yield but with less intensity in the presence of mulch.

PHENOTYPIC AND GENETIC PARAMETERS ESTIMATED FOR FRESH CORN UNDER DIFFERENT NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY1

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to estimate and compare phenotypic and genetic parameters after three cycles of intrapopulation recurrent selection for fresh corn grown under three nutrient availability conditions. Three experiments derived from the same population (MV-003) were conducted to assess the ability of progenies to absorb nutrients, one under adequate fertilization (control; MV-006), one under low nitrogen availability (N; MV-006N), and one under low phosphorus availability (P; MV-006P). The experiments were carried out in randomized blocks, with 64 half-sib progenies and three replications for each nutritional condition. Chlorophyll index, plant height, ear insertion, ear diameter, ear length, unhusked ear yield, and marketable husked ear were evaluated. The populations showed variability for the three nutrient availability conditions. The variability reduced after only three selection cycles; thus, evaluating a higher number of half-sib progenies, above 64, under low N and P availability is indicated. The rates used to identify the most efficient progenies in breeding programs should be close to the appropriate one, with a slow reduction after the selection cycles. The variability will be thus maintained, with a greater possibility of identifying more promising progenies. In addition, the frequency of favorable alleles increases more gradually and effectively. The N and P rate of 60 kg ha-1 is not indicated as a critical level for the initial phase of the program.

Selection of S3 progenies of super sweet corn based on agronomic performance of topcrosses

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to select S3 progenies of super sweet corn based on agronomic performance, evaluated in topcrosses with the narrow genetic base tester Honey Sweeter (Seminis®). The experiment was carried out in Guarapuava-PR. We evaluated 22 topcross hybrids and three checks, in two sowing times, in randomized blocks design with three replications. Six traits were evaluated: total yield of husked ears, commercial yield of husked ears, grain yield, grain length, ear diameter and total soluble solids content. Considering the set of evaluated traits, the topcrosses with progenies D2-07, D3-28, D4-53 and D5-24 were superior to the others; therefore, these progenies should continue in the inbreeding process and be evaluated in crosses with elite inbred lines with potential to generate competitive super sweet corn single hybrids.

Potential of corn hybrids for fresh consumption

The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of corn hybrids for grain productivity and fresh produce marketability in two crop seasons. The experiment applied the completely randomized block design with three replications, during 2013-14 and 2014-15 crops. Ten hybrids indicated for the Midwest region of Goiás state were used, namely 2B512PW, 2B587PW, 2B707PW, 30F35HR, 30F53YH, BRS1055, BM3061, P3646H and P3862YH. Hybrid AG1051 was used as control. The studied variables were ear height (EH), unhusked ear productivity (UEP), husked ear productivity (HEP), marketable ear productivity (MEP), marketable ear length (MEL), marketable ear diameter (MED), grain mass (GM), and gross revenue (GR). Records show that hybrid P3646H achieved results lower than the control in all the analyzed variables, regardless of the crop season, whereas hybrids 2B512PW, BRS1055 and P3862YH showed figures similar to AG1051 in 2013/14 crop and lower ones in 2014/15. Therefore, would not represent direct market competitors, as the control hybrid holds a significant share in the domestic market. Hybrids 2B587PW, 30F35HR, 30F53YH and BM3061 presented the greatest suitability for fresh corn consumption, as featured the highest number of favorable traits for that market.

Selecting experimental super sweet corn hybrids based on selection index

ABSTRACT Super sweet corn hybrids shall present production and quality traits in order to meet farmer’s, industry and consumer’s expectations. The aim of this study was to select experimental super sweet corn hybrids based on the Z index (I Z ). We evaluated 64 experimental hybrids from crosses between inbred lines of different groups along with two check hybrids. The experiments were carried out in Guarapuava-PR in two sowing seasons in 2016. The evaluated traits were male flowering, ear length, ear diameter, soluble solids content, husked ear yield, unhusked ear yield, and grain yield. The traits which most contributed to the Z index were related to ear and grain yields and soluble solids content. The first sowing season was the most favorable for the expression of yield related traits. The experimental hybrid D3-30 x D5-46 showed high performance in both sowing seasons and the hybrid D2-17 x D5-46 stood out in the second sowing season, being both promising, showing high productivity and quality of ear, considering the Z index.

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOWING TIMES ON FRESH EAR YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN SWEET CORN (ZEA MAYS L. SACCHARATA STURT.) VARIETIES

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of different sowing times on duration of tasselling, plant height, first ear height, ear length, ear diameter, number of ears per plant, fresh ear yield with husk, fresh ear yield unhusked, and marketable number of ears of different sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata Sturt.) varieties in Diyarbakır between the years of 2010-2012. The trial was conducted as split plots in randomised complete blocks with three replications. The main plots were sowing times, and the sub-plots were varieties. The trials were carried out at eight different sowing times (1 April, 15 April, 1 May, 15 May, 1 June, 15 June, 1 July and 15 July) with ‘Merit’, ‘Jubilee’, ‘Lumina’, ‘Vega’ and ‘Sakarya’ composite sweet corn varieties. From the variance analysis of the three-year combined average, the duration of tasselling, plant height, first ear height, ear length, ear diameter, number of ears per plant, fresh husked ear yield, fresh unhusked ear yield and marketable ear number were statistically significant for sowing times and varieties. According to the sowing time × variety interaction, except ears per plant and first ear height values, all other traits were significant. The fresh husked and unhusked ear yields varied between 8541.7-19396.8 kg ha-1 and 5065.0-13485.7 kg ha-1, respectively. The highest fresh husked and fresh unhusked ear yields were obtained from the 15 April sowing time of ‘Vega’ variety. The results state that optimal sowing dates for different varieties of sweet corn could be from 1 April to 1 May, and the most suitable variety to be planted is ‘Vega’ in Diyarbakır conditions.

Reduction of Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilizer Using Tithonia-based Liquid Organic Fertilizer for Sweet Corn Production in Ultisols

Nitrogen (N) fertilization method is of great interest in nutrient management in sweet corn production. Sweet corn production areas in Indonesia have been increasingly extended to Ultisol land due to decline in the amount of arable land. Proper nitrogen management in Ultisols including the use of tithonia-based liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) as a way of reducing the use of synthetic N fertilizer need to be investigated. In this experiment, we aimed to determine the effects of various combinations of tithonia-based LOF and synthetic N on the growth and yields of sweet corn grown in Ultisols. This experiment was conducted from April to July 2018, in Bengkulu City, Indonesia at an elevation of 36 m above sea level and was arranged in complete randomized design with four replications. Treatments consisted of five combinations of LOF and synthetic N, i.e. 0 % LOF+100 % N, 25 % LOF+75 % of N, 50 % LOF+50 % N, 75 % LOF+25 % N, and 100 % LOF+0 % N. The results indicated that fertilizer combination composition significantly affected plant height, leaf greenness, husked ear weight, unhusked ear weight, and ear length of sweet corn, but did not affect leaf number and shoot dry weight. Overall, the use of 75% LOF in combination with 25% synthetic N produced similar results to 100% synthetic N. It was concluded that the use of tithonia-based LOF reduced the use of synthetic N fertilizer in sweet corn production grown in Ultisols. This conclusion should be further evaluated for sweet corn production under field conditions in Ultisols.

Agronomic performance of experimental super sweet corn hybrids

ABSTRACT Super sweet is classified as a special type of corn, due to the presence of genes which promote sugar accumulation in grains, significantly reducing starch content in the endosperm. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of experimental super sweet corn hybrids, carrying the gene shrunken-2, in order to identify and select promising genotypes for Southern Brazil. The experiments were carried out in two sowing seasons in 2017/18, in the experimental field of UNICENTRO, Guarapuava-PR, Brazil. Thirty-two experimental hybrids resulting from an 8x4 partial diallel among super sweet corn inbred lines from four distinct populations were evaluated along with two commercial hybrids (BRS Vivi and Tropical Plus) used as checks. Traits of agronomic and commercial interest were evaluated: male flowering (MF), husk covering index (HCI), yield of husked ears (YHE), grain yield (GY), commercial prolificacy (CPR), percentage of commercial ears (PCE), color (COL) and soluble solids (SS) of the grains. We verified significant differences among the experimental hybrids, except for COL. There was no significant effect of sowing season regarding to SS. Genotypes x seasons interaction was significant for YHE, GY, CPR, PCE and COL. There are promising experimental hybrids showing performances superior to commercial super sweet corn hybrids used in Brazil. The experimental hybrids D2-61 x D5-41 and D3-10 x D5-43 were superior to the other experimental genotypes. The experimental hybrid D2-61 x D5-41 shows potential to meet the demands of the current super sweet corn market.

Combining ability in maize hybrid for yield-related traits and silage production

Maize cultivars developed for silage production are desirable because ensiling enables the production of high-quality feed and, increases farmers profit. Diallel cross is an efficient and advantageous mating technique that allows the selection of the best parents and crossings. The objective of this study was to estimate the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of hybrids and their parents and to evaluate promising hybrid crosses that can be used in breeding programs. Six genotypes were crossed in a complete diallel system. Fifteen hybrid combinations, six parents, and three commercial controls were evaluated in the 2017/2018 growing season in the north and northwest regions of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Nine agronomic traits were analyzed at the silage stage: plant and ear height, stem diameter, stand, husk covering, number of cobs, husked ear weight, unhusked ear weight, and fresh mass yield. The study employed a completely randomized block design with four repetitions. The parents UENF 2210, Piranão 12, and UENF 2208 presented higher GCA values for fresh matter yield and were indicated for the generation of single cross (F1) hybrids. The parental combinations of UENF 2208  Piranão 12, UENF 2208  UENF 2205, and UENF 2209  UENF 2205 had high SCA for most of the evaluated traits and were promising for the use in breeding programs. The crosses with higher average yield were UENF 2208  Piranão 12, UENF 2210  Piranão 12, and UENF 2208  UENF 2205

Effect of row spacing and seeding rate on baby corn production

Baby corn is the female green ear of the corn plant harvested before fertilization and its cultivation is a profitable alternative for small farms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of row spacing (0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9 m) and seeding rate (13, 15, 17 plants per meter) on baby corn production. The study was conducted at State University of Northern Paraná, Luiz Meneghel Campus, southern Brazil with a 5 × 3 factorial scheme (spacing, density) arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. Corn hybrid AG1051 was grown in 5-m long and 6.5-m wide plots. The yield components evaluated were stalk diameter, length and diameter of the unhusked and husked ear, shape index, unhusked yield, husked yield, and marketable yield. Stalk diameter and ear size were significantly affected by row spacing. Ears were not perfectly cylindrical. Baby corn yield was not affected by either row spacing or planting density.

Yield of maize crop irrigated with saline waters

ABSTRACT The growing competition for good-quality water is forcing the use of saline water for irrigation in several areas around the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different electrical conductivities of irrigation water on the maize production aspects. The study was conducted in the field from August to December 2017 at the Experimental Farm of the Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira (UNILAB), Redenção, CE, Brazil. A randomized complete block design with five irrigation water salinity (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 dS m-1) and four repetitions was used. The evaluated variables were: unhusked and husked ear weights, husked ear length and diameter, cob weight, 1000-grain weight and yield. The increase of salt concentration in irrigation water reduced the unhusked and husked ear weights, cob weight, 1000-grain weight and yield. Ear length and diameter were not influenced by the increase in water salinity.

Yield potential of green maize from partially inbred lines in top crosses

Selecting potential progenies in early inbred generations is an essential step towards the success of breeding programs. Given this, the use of top crosses assists breeders in selecting progenies to generate lines with the potential for hybrid yield. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the behavior of partially inbred progenies (S1) of maize with potential for green maize yield in top crosses and to evaluate the hybrid performance. Seventy-five top cross hybrids were generated from the cross between 75 S1 progenies and the F2 generation of the hybrid AG 1051. The 75 hybrids, the male tester (F2 generation of the hybrid AG 1051 as a broad genetic base tester), and the hybrid AG 1051 were sown in a block design with four replicates. The following traits were evaluated: husked ear yield; commercial ear yield; flowering; plant height; strawing; mean weight of grain mass in green maize stage; tassel branch number; ear row number; ear length; and ear diameter. The analysis of variance was performed estimating the general combining ability, and, from the means, the Scott &amp; Knott test was conducted. The top cross hybrids that were prominent for commercial ear yield were those composed of partially inbred progenies 19, 48, 6, 28, and 42 with high GCA, suggesting a potential for the production of open pollination population or synthetic production as well.

Combining Ability Analysis of Ear Characteristics of Sweet Corn Hybrids Suitable for Organic Crop Production

Abstract Good knowledge of genetic merits governing the inheritance of economic traits is of paramount importance to plant breeders for crop improvement. Objectives of the study were to investigate the genetic nature of ear traits in sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata var. rugosa) based on the general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA) analysis, and to determine the breeding potential of eight promising inbred lines for the development of new hybrid cultivars well suited for organic production. Thirty-six genotypes (hybrid families) derived from a half diallel cross design were grown under organic crop management at three agro-ecological zones of the tropics. Although the genotypes varied significantly for all the observed ear traits, some of them showed clear inconsistencies in performing husked ear size (length, diameter, and weight), kernel row number, and kernel number per row across environments. The combining ability analysis showed that additive gene action was more preponderance than non-additive gene actions in governing the inheritance of the studied ear traits. The inbred lines: Caps 5, Caps 17A, Caps 17B, and Caps 22 showed their potential as good partners for the improvement of ear performances as to the development of superior sweet corn cultivars for organic production.

Phosphorus Uptakes and Yields of Sweet Corn Grown under Organic Production System

Organic production system for sweet corn applied both solid and liquid organic fertilizer. The use liquid organic fertilizer potentially changes the availability of phosphorus for organically grown sweet-corn. Phosphorus absorption in sweet corn production determines the quality and quality of crop yields. This study aimed to determine the relationship between phosphorus uptakes and yields of sweet corn. A field experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Twenty sweet corn varieties were grown under organic environment where soil was fertilized with 30 tons ha-1 of cattle-based vermicompost. At 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after planting, each plant was additionally sprayed with thitonia-enriched liquid organic fertilizer of 50, 100, 200, 300 ml plant-1. Observations were conducted on phosphorus uptakes by plant, leaf phosphorus content, shoot dry weight per plot, days to harvesting, weight of husked ear, and weight of unhusked ear as well as sweet corn yield per plot. Results indicated that phosphorus uptakes by sweet corn significantly increased leaf phosphorus content, (r=0.56), shoot dry weight per plot (r=0.83), weight of husked ear (r=0.60), weight of unhusked ear (r=0.56) and sweet corn yield per plot (r=0.70). Phosphorus uptakes by sweet corn also significantly decreased days to harvesting (r=-0.27). In conclusion, phosphorus uptakes determined growth and yields sweet corn grown under fully organic environment.

Comparative Effects of Soil and Foliar Applications of Tithonia-Enriched Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Yields of Sweet Corn in Closed Agriculture Production System

Solid organic fertilizer is commonly applied for organic vegetable production in a closed agriculture production system as nutrient source. However, its availability is considered slow to sweet corn, and thus it is important to make additional nutrients supply as liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) through leaves. The experiments were conducted to compare effects of LOF application methods and to determine optimum LOF concentrations for sweet corn. Two separated factorial experiments, arranged in randomized complete block design with three replicates, were conducted from February to May and March to June 2015, respectively. The first factor was LOF application methods (soil and foliar) and the second factor was LOF concentration (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm). The observations focused on average weight of husked ear, length, weight and diameter un-husked ears. The results indicated that the effectiveness of soil application of LOF was 99.625 % as effective as foliar application in influencing sweet corn yields. Concentrations of LOF did not increase all observed variables, but yield attributes were within the range of variety description. It is concluded that in a closed production system, LOF application through soil is as effective as foliar application in affecting sweet corn yields.