Yield Parameters Of Maize Research Articles

Enhancing Maize Yield and Quality with Metal-Based Nanoparticles without Translocation Risks: A Brief Field Study.

Our previous studies have shown physiological and yield intensification of selected crops with the application of nanoparticles (NPs). However, the impact on the quantitative, qualitative, and yield parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) in field conditions remains highly debated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), gold NPs anchored to meso-biosilica (Au-NP-bioSi), and titanium dioxide (TiO2-NPs) as biological stimulants under field conditions during the vegetation season of 2021 in the Central European region. The study assessed the effects on the number of plants, yield, yield components, and nutritional quality, including mineral nutrients, starch, and crude protein levels. The potential translocation of these chemically-physically stable NPs, which could pose a hazard, was also investigated. The results indicate that Au-NP-bioSi and ZnO-NPs-treatments were the most beneficial for yield and yield components at a statistically significant level. Mineral nutrient outcomes were varied, with the NP-free variant performing the best for phosphorus-levels, while Au-NP-bioSi and ZnO-NPs were optimal for crude protein. Starch content was comparable across the TiO2-NPs, Au-NP-bioSi, and control variants. Importantly, we observed no hazardous translocation of NPs or negative impacts on maize grain quality. This supports the hypothesis that NPs can serve as an effective tool for precise and sustainable agriculture.

PENGARUH BAHAN PELAPIS BENIH TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN JAGUNG (Zea mays L.) PADA CEKAMAN SALIN

Maize is one of the most important food commodities after rice and is widely cultivated because it has a high protein value. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the coating material on the growth and yield of maize under saline stress. This research was conducted in the Agroecotechnology greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Trunojoyo Madura from August 2022 to January 2023. This study used a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 10 treatment combinations and 3 replications with a factor of one coating material (P) and a factor of two salinity (K). The coating material factor consisted of 5 treatments namely control (P0), bentonite (P1), biochar (P2), light coal (P3), and biochar compost (P4), the saline stress factor consisted of 2 treatments namely control (K0) and saline (K1). The results showed that the application of coating material to saline stress had a significant effect on all growth parameters. The interaction between treatments only had a significant effect on plant height at 1 MST, leaf area at 6 MST, and 100 seed weight. Treatment (P2K1) with biochar and saline showed the best results on all growth and yield parameters of maize. Saline stress reduced the percentage of growth and yield of maize by about 50%.

Azospirilla and Nitrogen Fertilization to Promote Maize Seed Development and Yield

Aims: This study evaluated the interaction of Azospirillum brasilense (Ab) strains and nitrogen fertilizer doses on maize.
 Study Design: Laboratory experiment evaluated Ab strains (PCR and PTF) on maize seed germination and vigor (completely randomized design). Field experiment evaluated Ab strains and nitrogen fertilization on maize yield parameters (randomized block design).
 Place and Duration of Study: The germination and vigor experiment (10 days in April 2019) was implemented in a controlled environment at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Brazil. The field experiment (137 days in winter 2019) was implemented at the Fisioplant Research Station (Uberlândia, Brazil) under commercial maize crop management.
 Methodology: In controlled conditions (laboratory), 200 seeds of maize (K9105VIP3, Riber KWS Seeds) were incubated (25 °C) with the Ab strain solutions for germination and vigor evaluations. In the field, 60,000 plants ha-1 (0.5 m space between sowing lines) of maize were cropped under combinations of nitrogen fertilizer and volumes of Ab strains (treatments) for leaf nitrogen, SPAD index, leaf count, fresh and dry maize shoot biomass, one-thousand grains weight, grain rows per maize ear, productivity (kg ha-1).
 Results: Treatment with 100 mL ha-1 of Ab PFT strain increased maize seed germination and vigor more than Ab PCR strain and control (no-inoculation or fertilizer). The number of grain rows of the 100% N + 150 mL ha-1 of Ab PFT strain and the maize shoot dry mass of the 100% N (no-inoculation) were higher than the control. The treatments did not affect the SPAD index, weight of one thousand grains, fresh maize shoot biomass, or productivity.
 Conclusion: Using Ab with nitrogen fertilizer is a promising strategy to improve maize crop responses; however, more studies are needed to detail the ideal management of Ab strains for maize crops and yield construction.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Aim: To study effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.).
 Study Design: A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, AKS, University, Satna during Rabi season 2023 on Maize crop.
 Methodology: The experiment trail was laid out in randomized block design. It consisted of three replications with ten treatment combinations i.e. T1 - Control,, T2 - 100% RDN by FYM (24 t/ha),, T3 - 75% RDN by FYM+25% RDN by VC,, T4 - 75%RDN by FYM+25% RDN by VC + Azotobacter and PSB @ 10 ml/kg seed,, T5 - 100% RDN by VC (8 t/ha),, T6 - 75% RDN by VC+25% RDN by FYM,, T7 -75%RDN by VC+25% RDN by FYM+ Azotobacter and PSB @ 10 ml/kg seed,, T8 - 50% RDN by VC + 50 % RDN by PM (3.8 t/ha),, T9 - 50% RDN by VC+50% RDN by PM + Azotobacter and PSB @ 10 ml/kg seed,, T10 - 50%RDN by EC (6 t/ha) + Beejamrut + Jeevamrut spray 500 l/ha (twice).
 Results: The results showed that application of T9 50% RDN by VC + 50% RDN by poultry manure + Azotobacter + PSB had significant effect on growth and yield of maize. The plant height, number of leaves per plant and dry matter accumulation were also significantly higher in T9 followed by T8 50% RDN by VC + 50 % RDN by PM (3.8 t/ha). The highest grain yield (39.40 q ha-1) was obtained in T9 followed by T8 (38.15 q ha-1), T7 (37.62 q ha-1) andT5(36.73 q ha-1).

Effects of Tillage Practices on the Growth and Yield of Maize, in the Guinea Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana

Abstract: A field study was conducted to investigate the influence of conventional tillage (CVT) and conservation tillage (CST) on various aspects of maize yield parameters and grain yield, using the Wagdaata maize variety. The study was conducted at the experimental farm of Tamale Technical University, located at Northern region, Tamale, Sagnarigu municipality in the Guinea savannah ecological zone of Ghana in 2023 cropping season. A randomised complete block design was used with three replicates. The treatments consisted of two tillage practices: conventional tillage (CVT) and conservation tillage (CST) and a control. The CVT involved plowing the soil to a depth of 15cm using a tractor plough with disk to plow. The CST involved use of hoe to make ridges and the control was direct seeding without loosen the soil. Plant height was evaluated every two weeks by measuring the height of maize to the base of the apex leaf. Other data collected were: maize leaf area. Cob characteristics including ear height, cob weight with husk, fresh cob weight, and dry cob weight, number of cobs per hectare and number of kernels per cob, 1000 seed weight and grain yields. The present study revealed that plant height, maize leaf area and shoot dry weight increased in the ridges than the other tillage practices. Cob characteristics such as ear height, cob weight with husk, fresh cob weight, and dry cob weight, number of cobs per hectare and number of kernels per cob, 1000 seed weight and grain yields was also optimum with the ridges as a against the other tillage practices. The study showed increased grain yield by 66% in the ridge tillage (2,389 kg/ha) over the plough tillage (1,436 kg/ha). The study provides comprehensive insights into the impact of tillage practices on various aspects of maize growth and yield, with ridge tillage emerging as a favorable practice for optimizing maize plant development and overall productivity in the Guinea savannah ecological zone of Ghana.

Evaluation of the effect of nicosulfuron and bentazone herbicides on growth and yield performance of two maize varieties in Mubi, Nigeria

Abstract. Tizhe TD, Alonge SO, Adekpe DI, Ioortsuun DN. 2023. Evaluation of the effect of nicosulfuron and bentazone herbicides on growth and yield performance of two maize varieties in Mubi, Nigeria. Asian J Agric 7: 122-130. This study aimed to determine the effect of nicosulfuron and bentazone herbicides on the growth and yield performance of maize (Zea mays L.) varieties SAMMAZ 17 and SAMMAZ 37 in Mubi, Nigeria. The study was carried out between 2019 and 2020 wet seasons. Nicosulfuron and bentazone herbicides at 50, 100, 150, and 200 g/ha and 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg a.i/ha concentrations, respectively, along with hoe weeded and weedy check controls were applied in the field of the two maize varieties at 3, 5 and 7 Weeks after Sowing (WAS). The maize growth parameters were determined two weeks after treatment at three different times, while the yield parameters were determined using standard procedures. The results showed that nicosulfuron and bentazone had no significant effect on the Crop Growth Rate (CGR), Net Assimilation Rate (NAR), days to 50% silking (except Relative Growth Rate and days to 50% tasselling), and plant height, leaf area index and total biomass of the two maize varieties, when sampled at 2 and 4 (except at 6 weeks) weeks sampling after herbicides application at 3, 5 and 7 WAS. The application at 3 WAS resulted in lower values for virtually all the growth parameters than that at 5 and 7 WAS. The two herbicides, however, significantly affected most of the maize yield parameters. The maize plants on plots treated at 3 WAS had the highest values for all the yield parameters (except kernel depth) than those treated at other periods. The study concluded that the post-emergence application of nicosulfuron and bentazone herbicides had no significant influence on the growth parameters of SAMMAZ 17 and SAMMAZ 37; however, there was a significant effect on the yield parameters.

Comparative studies of conventional, organic and natural farming types for their efficiency, and productivity in maize + red gram intercropping system

The field experiment on comparative studies of different farming methods for their efficiency and productivity in maize + redgram intercropping system was conducted at zonal agricultural and horticultural research station, Bhavikere during Kharif season. Among the different farming types, growth and yield parameters of maize viz. plant height (204.18 cm) number of leaves/ plant (17.20), cob length (15.94cm), straw yield (19.35 t/ ha) grain yield (81.36 q/ ha) and red gram Grain yield (4.36 q/ ha) and straw yield (11.19 q/ ha) were significantly higher with treatment received nutrients as per package of practices as compared to natural farming and organic farming treatments. Similar trend was observed with maize equivalent yield (95.50 q/ ha). On the other hand, highest dehydrogenase (14.32, 28.65, 24.19 and 16.23 µg TPF/ g soil/ day) and urease (4.12, 12.65, 7.14 and 3.32 µg NH4-N/ g / soil/ 2 hrs) enzyme activity was observed in organic farming treatment at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest, respectively followed by natural farming treatment and least enzyme activity was noticed in farmers practice. Same trend was observed in acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities. There was no much variation in physical properties i.e., bulk density, particle density, maximum water holding capacity and porosity by the different treatments and also no significant difference occurs in the pH and EC, however higher nitrogen (315.27) phosphorus (73.48) and potassium (271.28) was observed in the organic farming treatment and it was followed with the farmer’s practice treatment. The lowest was recorded in the natural farming treatment (215.47, 33.47 and 220.47 at the harvest stage).

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield Parameters of Maize (Zea mays.) (Poaceae)

Aim: To study effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.).
 Study Design: A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy farm, school of agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India during kharif season of 2022.
 Methodology: The experiment trail was laid out in randomized block design. It consisted of three replications with ten treatment combinations i.e. T1- 100% Recommended dose fertilizers (RDF) + Farmyard manure(FYM)15 t ha-1;, T2- 100% RDF + Vermicompost7.5 t ha-1;, T3-100% RDF + seed priming with Biofertilizers (Azotobacter), T4- 75% RDF + FYM 11 t ha-1;, T5- 75% RDF + Vermicompost 5.6 t ha-1;, T6-75% RDF +seed priming with Biofertilizers (Azotobacter);,T7- 50% RDF basal dose + Nano urea spray 0.15% (25 and 50 Days After Sowing);, T8- 50% RDF basal dose + Nano urea spray0.30% (25 and 50 DAS);, T9- Vermicompost 3.5 t ha-1 + seed priming with Biofertilizers (Azotobacter); T10- control.
 Results: The results showed that application of T2 100% RDF + Vermicompost 7.5 t ha-1 had significant effect on growth and yield of maize. The plant height, number of leaves per plant and dry matter accumulation were also significantly higher in T2followed by T1100% RDF + FYM 15 t ha-1. The highest grain yield (64.36 q ha-1) was obtained in T2 followed by T1 (63.6 q ha-1), T3 (57.92 q ha-1) andT8 (56.16 q ha-1).
 Conclusion: Overall, the results and the study suggest the use of integrated nutrient management can improve the growth and yield of maize and provide sustainable solution to meet the nutrient requirements of the crop.

Impact of different types of green manure on pests and disease incidence and severity as well as growth and yield parameters of maize

The emergence of pests and diseases, including the maize streak virus, leaf blight, the African stem borer, and gray leaf spot, poses a persistent threat to maize production (Zea mays L. cv: DMR-ESR-Yellow) around the world. A field experiment was conducted at the School of Agriculture experimental site, Njala University, Sierra Leone, during a two-year period (2020–2021) to assess the effects of green manure on pest and disease incidence and severity as well as growth and yield parameters of maize. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and four treatments: Cal. 3 t.ha−1, Cal. 6 t.h−1, Pan. 3 t.h−1, Pan 6 t.ha−1 and a control plot amended with 200 kg ha−1 of N (urea) and NPK 15:15:15 ha−1 split application. The study showed that gray leaf spot damage was the most severe infection among all treatments. Therefore, the effects of the most severe disease and pest of maize in Sierra Leone can be minimized by applying green manure. Moreover, results reveal that Calopogonium- Pueraria mixture amended plots showed significant performance in the measured growth parameters viz. highest leaf number, large leaf area stem girth, superior plant height, best ear height (64.6–78.5 cm), higher cob yield (1.2–1.4 t.ha−1) ear (1.8–2.1 t.ha−1) and dry grain yield (0.5–0.7 ha−1). Panicum green manure results showed that prompt and adequate application, as well as decomposition of green manures, is imperative for the successful conservation and sustainability of maize farming systems. The findings of this research could improve the efficiency of green manure use in pest, disease, and crop management systems.

Growth, Yield Components, and Yield Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L) as Influenced by Unified Use of NPSZnB Blended Fertilizer and Farmyard Manure

A two-year field experiment was carried out to scrutinize the integrated use of NPSZnB blended fertilizer and farmyard manure (FYM) on maize growth and yield components at Koga and Bachima villages in Mecha district and Geray and Jiga villages in Jabi Tehran district. Factorial combinations have five levels of NPSZnB (100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 kg·ha−1), and four rates of FYM (0, 12, 16, and 20 t·ha−1), plus one blanket recommendation (200 kg·ha−1 DAP and 150 kg·ha−1 Urea). A randomized complete block design with three replications was used to set up the studies. Except for days to silking and leaf area index at both locations, and days to physiological maturity, and ear length at Mecha, main and interaction effects on all parameters were detected at both locations. The only main effect of NPSZnB was detected on the harvest index at Jabi Tehnan. Generally, the results achieved from the interaction effect were better and greater than those obtained from the blanket recommendation although this was not the case for the main effects. Grain yields at Jabi Tehnan and Mecha were 5618.5 and 5421 kg·ha−1, respectively, as a result of the unified use of 250 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB and 20 t·ha−1 FYM and shortened days to 50% tasselling by 3.46 days and delayed 90% physiological maturity by 2.95 days than the blanket recommended fertilizer at Jabi Tehnan. As the main effect, compared to the blanket recommendation, 250 kg·ha−1 at Jabi Tehnan and 300 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB at Mecha reduced the days to 50% silking by 0.225 and 0.292 days, respectively. Contrasted with the conventional recommendation, the application of 300 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB minimizes days to 90% physiological maturity by 0.89 at Mecha, and the rise in FYM level from 0 to 20 t·ha−1 caused 0.832 and 0.279 extra days to reach 50% silking at Jabi Tehnan and Mecha, respectively. The yield had a very strong correlation that is positive with growth and yield components. Economic study: the use of 200 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB with 20 t·ha−1 FYM resulted in the maximum net benefit of 36221.06 and 35431.04 ETB ha−1 at Jabi Tehnan and Mecha, respectively. Thus, 250 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB with 20 kg·ha−1 FYM and 200 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB with no FYM application were the most acceptable rates at both locations with a low cost of production to small-scale farmers. For resource-rich farmers, 200 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB with 20 t·ha−1 FYM was also favorable, with the best net benefit at both locations.

Characterization, Extraction of Biochar and Humic Acid on Yield Parameters of Maize in Maize-Chickpea Cropping System and Its Residual Effect on Chickpea under Rainfed Condition

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2019 and 2020 in a at ICAR-Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Kalaburagi-II (Raddewadagi), Jewargi taluk, Kalaburagi district, to study the characterization, extraction of biochar and humic acid on yield parameters of maize in maize-chickpea cropping system and its residual effect on chickpea under rainfed condition .The results showed that, the biochar was highly alkaline in nature (pH of 8.91), medium in salt content with an electrical conductivity of 1.89 dS m-1. The total carbon content (78.20 g kg-1), nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (0.64, 0.29 and 1.02 %, respectively). It also showed good amount of secondary and micronutrients. Biochar had also lower the bulk density (0.54 Mg m-3) and good water holding capacity (67.50 %). Whereas, the humic acid showed acidic in reaction (pH 4.20) and higher the nitrogen content (1.38 %). The maize was the test crop to study the direct effect and chickpea was raised to study the residual effect. The experiment were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with fifteen treatments and replicated thrice. The pooled analysis revealed that significantly higher significantly higher yield and yield parameters of maize and succeeding chickpea crops were recorded with application of 100 % NPK + biochar @ 5 t ha-1 + HA @ 10 kg ha-1 and it was on par with the treatment receiving 100 % NPK + biochar @ 2.5 t ha-1 + HA @ 10 kg ha-1 compare to other treatments.

Silicon supplementation enhances productivity, water use efficiency and salinity tolerance in maize.

Drought and salinity stress severely inhibits the growth and productivity of crop plants by limiting their physiological processes. Silicon (Si) supplementation is considerd as one of the promising approaches to alleviate abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. In the present study, a field experiment was conducted over two successive growth seasons (2019-20) to investigate the effect of foliar application of Si at two concentrations (1 and 2kg Si ha-1) on the growth, yield and physiological parameters of three maize cultivars (ES81, ES83, and ES90) under three levels of irrigation salinity) [1000 (WS1), 2000 (WS2) and 3000 (WS3) mg L-1NaCl]. In this study, A trickle irrigation system was used. Si application significantly mitigated the harsh effects of salinity on growth and yield components of maize, which increased at all concentrations of Si. In irrigation with S3 salinity treatment, grain yield was decreased by 32.53%, however, this reduction was alleviated (36.19%) with the exogenous foliar application of Si at 2kg Si ha-1. At salinity levels, Si application significantly increased maize grain yield (t ha-1) to its maximum level under WS of 1000 mg L-1, and its minimum level (Add value) under WS of 3000 mg L-1. Accordingly, the highest grain yield increased under Si application of 2kg Si ha-1, regardless of salinity level and the cultivar ES81 achieved the highest level of tolerance against water salinity treatments. In conclusion, Application of Si at 2kg Si ha-1 as foliar treatment worked best as a supplement for alleviating the adverse impacts of irrigation water salinity on the growth, physiological and yield parameters of maize.

Synergistic Effect of Azotobacter nigricans and Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Fertilizer on Agronomic and Yieldtraits of Maize (Zea mays L.).

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) Azotobacter spp. is the most promising bacteria among all microorganisms. It is an aerobic, free-living, and N2-fixing bacterium that commonly lives in soil, water, and sediments. It can be used as a biofertilizer for plant growth and nutrient utilization efficiency. Maize is the highly consumed cereal food crop of the cosmopolitan population, and the sustainable maize productivity achieved by applying bacteria in combination with nitrogen phosphorus potassium (NPK) is promising. In the present study, a bacterial isolate (PR19). Azotobacter nigricans, obtained from the soil of an organic farm was evaluated for its plant growth promoting potential alone and in combination with an inorganic fertilizer (NPK) included. The bacterial cultue (PR19) was screened for its morphological, biochemical, and plant growth-promoting characteristics, sequenced by the 16S rDNA method, and submitted to NCBI for the confirmation of strain identification. Further, the inoculation effect of the bacterial culture (PR19) in combination with NPK on growth and yield parameters of maize under pot were analyzed. Based on phenotypic and molecular characteristics, PR19 was identified as Azotobacter nigricans it was submitted to NCBI genbank under the accession No. KP966496. The bacterial isolate possessed multiple plant growth-promoting (MPGP) traits such as the production of ammonia, siderophore, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and ACC Deaminase (ACCD). It showed phosphate solubilization activity and tolerance to 20% salt, wide range of pH 5–9, higher levels of trace elements and heavy metals, and resistance to multiple antibiotics. PR19 expressed significantly increased (p < 0.001) antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH) under the abiotic stress of salinity and pH. In vitro condition, inoculation of maize with the PR19 showed a significant increase in seed germination and enhancement in elongation of root and shoot compared to untreated control. The combined application of the PR19 and NPK treatments showed similar significant results in all growth and yield parameters of maize variety SHIATS-M S2. This study is the first report on the beneficial effects of organic farm isolated PR19-NPK treatment combinations on sustainable maize productivity.

Maize (Zea mays L.) Productivity and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Response to Nitrogen Application Levels and Time.

Productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) as affected by nitrogen application levels and timing were studied. The experimental design was a three-replication randomized complete block design (RCBD). The first factor was nitrogen levels (122, 240, 288 and 336 kg N/ha) and the second factor was nitrogen timing (50% of N at sowing and 50% of N before the first irrigation; T1, 50% of N at sowing and 50% of N before the second irrigation; T2 and 50% of N before the first irrigation and 50% of N before the second irrigation; T3). Results indicated that plant height, ear length, kernel weight, number of grains/rows, number of grains/ear and grain yields all increased significantly as nitrogen levels increased and the level of 336 kg N/ha significantly exhibiting the highest values in both seasons. In terms of nitrogen application time, maize yield parameters such as plant height, ear length, kernel weight/ear, number of grains/rows, number of grains/ear and grain yield were significantly affected by nitrogen timing, with the highest values obtained at T3 while the lowest values obtained at T1 in both seasons. The interaction had a significant impact on plant height and grain yield/ha, with the tallest plants, the highest yields and its components observed at 336 kg N/ha, with 50% of N applied during the first irrigation and 50% of N applied during the second. Furthermore, under the study conditions, NUE decreased dramatically as nitrogen levels increased and increased significantly as nitrogen application time changed.

Genetic diversity and environmental influence on morphological and yield parameters of maize in Benin

Seeds are the most important input in agricultural production and its quality seed determines the yield of the crop. They contribute to nearly 30% of crop productivity. The present study aims at surveying, collecting and characterizing maize accessions from the North, Centre and South Benin. Thirty-two (32) accessions were collected from 11 townships of Benin. Four experiments (Bassila, Glazoue, N'Dali and Adjohoun sites) were carried out to evaluate the agro-morphological characteristics of the collected 32 accessions. Eighteen (18) quantitative parameters were measured at each site. The accessions were classified into 3 groups by the hierarchical ascending classification showing a very important variability among cultivars with very highly significant (P < 0.001) or highly significant (P < 0.01) differences. The observed diversity among the different cultivars were based on plant height, growth life cycle, ear height, yield and yield components. The collection consisted of 18 intermediate-maturing cultivars showing big corn size with the ears inserted at a great height (Group 1), 8 late-maturing cultivars with the best vegetative and reproductive traits (Group 2) and 6 early-maturing cultivars with the best reproductive growth and best ear and grain yields (Group 3). The phenotypic variability of the cultivars was more related to their agronomic and morphological traits than their origin. These diverse groups of accessions could be used to develop improved maize varieties with high yield potential and adapted to different agro-climatic conditions.

Effect of nutrient omission on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize is one of the important cereal crops in India as well as the world. The crop responds well to added nutrients and the application of optimum nutrients is essential to improve the productivity of maize. Hence, to find out the effect of different macronutrients on maize, a field experiment was carried out nutrient omission plot technique during the rabi season of 2021 at the Experimental Farm of M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha (23o39’ N latitude and 87o42’ E longitude). The experiment was designed in a completely randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments of the experiment were as follows T1: N100P100K100 (Ample dose), T2: N0P100K100, T3: N100P0K100, T4: N100P100K0, T5: N100P0K0, T6: N0P100K0, T7: N0P0K100 and T8: N0P0K0 (Control). The seeds of maize hybrid ‘Suphala Seeds Sharp’ were sown in a row x plant spacing of 60cm x 25cm. The results showed that the impact of nutrient omission in maize was reflected on both the growth and yield parameters of maize. The treatment N100P100K100 (T1) resulted in highest plant height (204.3 cm), dry matter accumulation (1648 g/m2), leaf area Index of (5.2), number of grains per cob (327) and highest grain yield (6.4 t/ha) with maximum harvest index (42.03). The treatments consisting of N100P0K100 (T2) and N100P100K0 (T3) were also statistically at par with the previous treatment. Further, the treatments with omission of two or more major nutrients, namely, T5: N100P0K0, T6: N0P100K0 and T7: N0P0K100 were significantly inferior in expression of all growth and yield attributes of maize to N100P100K100. The results concluded that application of ample doses of three primary nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were essential to achieve optimum growth and productivity of maize.

Potentials of straw return and potassium supply on maize (Zea mays L.) photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield

Maize (Zea mays L.) is considered one of the most important grains in the world. Straw return has the effect of reducing soil bulk density and increasing soil porosity. Straw returning and potassium fertilizer can supplement soil potassium content. The improvement of soil structure and the optimization of soil nutrient levels provide a good environment for high yield and high efficiency of maize. Therefore, three field experiments were carried out over a three-year period (2018–2020) to study the effects of straw returning on photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield of maize 'Xianyu 335' under two different fertilization methods and four potassium application levels. The results showed that straw returning and potassium application had significant effects on the above indicators. The above indicators were significantly improved by deep tillage straw returning compared with no tillage straw returning. Increasing potassium supply can promote the effect of straw returning. The photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield parameters of maize treated with straw returning and deep tillage combined with 60 kg/hm2 potassium fertilizer (SFK60) reached the highest in the three harvest seasons. The corn planting profit of SFK45 treatment is the highest, which is $1868.92 per ha. Therefore, SFK45 is an effective way to ensure stable and high yield of corn and maximize farmers' income.

Effects of nitrogen fertilizer rates on growth and yield of maize in Makurdi-Nigeria

This experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Teaching and Research Farm of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi in the 2021 rain-fed cropping season to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilizer rates on the growth and yield of maize in Makurdi, Benue State. A total of five treatments (0, 40, 80,120, 160 kg Nha-1) in the form of urea were used. These treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. In addition to the treatments, basal applications of Phosphorus and potassium in the form of SSP and MOP were applied at recommended rates. Maize seeds were planted and the crop grown to maturity with all cultural practices carried out as at when necessary. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters of maize and the data were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT 17th Edition, while significant differences in means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The results

Effects of Groundnut Shell Incorporation Rates on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of groundnut shell incorporation rates on the growth and yield of maize.&#x0D; Research methods: The study was carried out at the students’ demonstration farm of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State, in 2018. Seeds were sown on a prepared land treated with four (4) doses of groundnut shells (0, 25, 50 and 75 tons/ha) arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated 4 times. Each plot was marked out at 2.0 m length × 2.0 m width with 0.5 m gap between the replicated plots and blocks. Maize growth parameters were determined at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after sowing and maize yield parameters were determined at 10 and 12 weeks after sowing (WAS).&#x0D; Findings: The groundnut shell application rates increased maize growth parameters such as, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leave area index, and stem girth, number of cobs per plant and cobs weight. The results revealed that plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index and stem girth were significantly (P≤ 0.05) influenced by the treatments, except for the control treatment at 2- WAS. The higher application rates (50 and 75 t/ha) of groundnut shell significantly (P≤ 0.05) influenced the plant growth components better than the 25 and 0 t/ha treatment rates.&#x0D; Research limitations: There were no limitations to report.&#x0D; Originality/Value: The results suggests that groundnut shell incorporation rate at 50 t/ha could be recommended as the most appropriate and profitable for high performance of maize plants in Mubi. The results generally suggest that maize plants may tolerate even higher rates of groundnut shell incorporation beyond the rates used in the study.

Evaluation of herbicide alachlor for weed dynamics, growth and yield of maize NAC-6002 (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with triplicates to evaluate the effects of herbicide alachlor on weed, growth and yield parameters of maize. The seeds were subjected to preliminary germination study and the selected concentrations were applied (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 ppm) followed by seed sowing and the treatments were compared with control. The maximum weed growth was recorded in the experimental site without herbicide treatment. At higher concentrations of the herbicide treatment the maize plants showed different types of morphological changes like improper leaf curling, malformation of leaf, stunted growth. The total weed dry weight showed considerable difference in all the concentrations treatments and least fresh weight was observed in weed free check (1.9 g) plot and the dry weight of weeds was also significantly different in different concentrations of herbicide. The weed control efficiency was increased as the concentrations of the herbicide increased and the maximum and minimum WCE (97.67% and 28.97%) was recorded in 10.0 and 1.0 ppm respectively. The weed index also found to be significantly increased from 6.87 to 91.7% as the herbicide concentrations increased from 1.0 to 10.0 ppm respectively. The yield associated parameters like height of the plants, number of leaves and cobs, length of cobs, weight of cob and grains weight were found to be significantly different under different concentrations of herbicide treatment.