Baby Corn Production Research Articles

Nitrogen and detasseling influences growth, yield and economics of male sterile baby corn (Zea mays)

A field experiment was carried-out in the winter season of 2021–22 at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, to assess the effect of detasseling times and nitrogen levels on productivity and profitability of winter baby corn (Zea mays L.). The experiment comprised three detasseling times (No detasseling [Control], immediately after tassel emergence, and 7 days after tassel emergence) and four nitrogen levels (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N/ha). A total 12 treatment combinations were evaluated in a factorial randomized-block design, replicated thrice. The results showed that detasseling immediately after tassel emergence enhanced the dry matter accumulation, yield attributes, and husked and dehusked baby corn yield by 11.4 and 15.2%, respectively and fodder yield (23.84 t/ha), over no detasseling; however, it stood at par with detasseling 7 days after tassel emergence. Further, an application of 200 kg N/ha resulted in the highest dry matter accumulation and yield attributes, finally leading to 36.9, 38.1 and 33.1%, improvement in husked, dehusked baby corn yield and fodder yield, respectively, compared to 50 kg N/ha. Using 150 kg N/ha was at par with 200 kg N/ha both for growth and yield. The net returns and benefit-cost ratio showed the similar trend as of baby corn yields. Overall, this study suggested that detasseling immediately after tassel emergence and application of 200 kg N/ha is advantageous to augment the productivity and profitability of winter baby corn under irrigated ecosystem of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Combined selection for productivity, adaptability, and stability in corn genotypes for baby corn production

AbstractBaby corn is the name given to the female inflorescence of corn (Zea mays L.) before fertilization, being harvested in 2–3 days after the issuance of the styles‐stigmata. Currently, in Brazil, there is no specific corn cultivar for baby corn production, which leads to the use of popcorn and sweet corn cultivars because they are more accepted in the food industry. Therefore, the objective of this work was to estimate the genetic parameters and determine the efficiency of simultaneous selection based on productivity, adaptability, and stability of corn genotypes for baby corn production in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The evaluations were conducted in 2019 on family properties in six municipalities in the state of Espírito Santo. Eleven corn genotypes were evaluated for baby corn production, being a double hybrid, four native varieties, and six commercial varieties. The design was randomized blocks with four repetitions each. The genetic parameters were estimated, which were obtained using the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP), and the selection was carried out by the harmonic mean of the relative performance of genotypic values (HMRPGV). It was observed that the environments influenced the performance of the genotypes, configuring specific adaptation. The genotypes AG 1051, Aliança, and BR 106 presented the best performances in all the environments evaluated, considering, simultaneously, the productivity, adaptability, and stability of marketable ears. The HMRPGV method provided optimized selection of corn genotypes to produce baby corn with high productive potential, predictable behavior, and responsive to environmental stimuli.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake, Nutrient Use Efficiencies and Economics of Baby Corn (Zea mays. L): A Review

A young, unfertilized, dehusked maize ear that has just started to multiply is called baby corn (the baby phase of the maize cob). It is usually harvested when the silk is between two and three cm long, two to three days following silking. Depending on the agro-climatic circumstances, baby maize can be grown three to four times a year after maturing for 60 to 75 days. As a pre-kharif crop with a brief growing phase, baby maize provides a distinct benefit by making use of fields that would otherwise stay fallow during the periods when rice and wheat are turning over. Higherearnings can be made from the early harvest and selling of baby maize ears. Additionally, untranslocated photosynthates remaining in the green stover can be used as a good source of nutrient-rich green fodder for live stock, which boosts the production of dairy products and meat.
 As the crop with the highest nutritional content, baby maize needs exceptionally high-quality nutrients to be used efficiently and to increase yield. Although the production of baby corn can be increased by applying artificial fertiliser, doing so will eventually compromise the sustainability of the expanding field. Furthermore, farmers' financial stability and soil health can be preserved by replacing a portion of chemical fertilisers with organic sources of nutrients. However, the replacement of 25% and 50% of the nitrogen with organic sources (FYM/Vermicompost/Poultry Manure) had a greater positive impact on the production of baby maize, the yield of fodder, the quality and economics of the nutrient uptake, and the soil fertility status.

Intercropping with legumes and detasseling of maize aiming at production of organic baby corn

Intercropping with legumes and detasseling of maize aiming at production of organic baby corn

The impact of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae inoculation with nitrogen fertilization on baby corn yield and cob quality

In response to the escalating costs and diminishing efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers, the agricultural community is actively seeking sustainable alternatives that leverage natural nitrogen sources derived from biological N-fixation processes to enhance crop yield. This study investigates the combined effects of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae inoculation and varying nitrogen fertilizer doses on soil fertility, nutrient availability, and the yield and quality parameters of baby corn (Zea mays. L). The study involved the application of five nitrogen levels (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg N ha-1) in conjunction with Klebsiella quasipneumoniae inoculum on HM-4 variety of baby corn, employing a comprehensive experimental design with five treatments and four replications. All treatments demonstrated increased ear count and weights of ear, silk, husk, edible cob, and biomass compared to the control. The study highlights the potential of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae inoculation in synergy with reduced nitrogen fertilizer to enhance total N contents in soil and positively impact baby corn yield and cob quality parameters. Optimal results were achieved with a 50% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer (150 kg N ha-1), emphasizing the importance of integrated nutrient management. The findings contribute valuable insights to sustainable agriculture, offering a promising strategy for increased baby corn production, improved nutritional quality, and environmental conservation. This integrated approach, involving microbial inoculation and nitrogen management, emerges as a key element in modern agricultural practices, promoting both productivity and nutritional content in baby corn crops.

Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Five Local Maize Varieties for Baby Corn Variety Breeding

In Indonesia, the production of baby corn is generally derived from composite varieties because not many varieties have been exclusively bred for baby corn purposes. This study aimed to determine the quantitative and qualitative traits of five local maize varieties to obtain potential parent materials for baby-corn-purposed lines. The research was conducted at the Experimental Field of State Polytechnic Jember using a non-factorial randomized block design with five local maize varieties (‘Kretek Madura’, ‘Bisma’, ‘Provit A1’, ‘Srikandi Kuning’, and ‘Sukmaraga’). The data obtained were analyzed with ANOVA and followed by the Fisher’s Least Significant Difference Test at a 5% error level. The results indicated that all five varieties tested met the standards of Codex for baby corn in terms of diameter, length, and qualitative traits. In terms of plant height, female flowering, and number of ears, V1 ‘Madura Kretek’ was observed to have the most potential as it had the shortest plant height (173.60 cm), the fastest female flowering (43.64 days), and harvest age (47.67 days), as well as the highest number of ears (2.55). However, this variety showed a lower baby corn weight, which might affect the total yield. It is suggested that the next quest of parent material for the baby-corn-purposed line can be also focused on the weight of the baby corn.

Effect of Seed Priming and Moisture Conservation Measures on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) under Rainfed Upland Situation

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2019-20 and 2020-21 at the PG experimental plot of the Department of Agronomy, BNCA to assess seed priming and moisture conservation measures on productivity and profitability of baby corn under the rainfed situation. The soil of the experimental site was acidic (pH 4.64), sandy loam in texture, medium in organic carbon (0.64%), low in available N (232.06 kg ha-1), P2O5 (13.84 kg ha-1) and K2O (115.27 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with 4 levels of seed priming methods. S0: No priming; S1: Seed priming with 1% urea solution; S2: priming with 1% potash solution (MOP); S3: priming with 3 times diluted cow urine and 3 levels of soil moisture conservation measures viz. M0: No mulching; M1: use of bio mulch; M2: use of black polythene mulch. Results revealed that the highest and quickest seedling emergence (11.96 numbers m-2) was recorded under the treatment of seed priming with three times diluted cow urine which was at par with the treatment of seed priming with 1% urea and 1% KCl (MOP) solution. The total number of leaves m-2, total leaf area plant-1 and leaf area index (LAI) of baby corn were also changed significantly due to different moisture conservation measures but those parameters remain static due to different seed priming methods. The CGR (g m-2 day-1), RGR, (g g-1 day-1) and NAR (mg cm-1 day-1) of baby corn were also changed significantly due to different soil moisture conservation measures. The highest and most significant baby corn yield without husk(22.59 q ha-1) with 305.61 q ha-1 of green fodder yield along with harvest index (6.00), production efficiency (25.67 kg‑1 day-1 ha-1) and nutrient use productivity (9.41 kg‑1 ha-1 kg-1) were recorded under the treatment where black polythene mulching was used as soil moisture conservation measure.

Effects of Planting Geometry and Fertilizer Management on Light Interception, Chlorophyll Content and Productivity in Baby Corn Cultivation

A field experiment was conducted during during rabi seasons (December to March) of 2019-20 and 2020-21 to find out optimum plant spacing and fertilizer levels on yield of baby corn. Three plant spacing viz, S1=40 cm × 20 cm (1,25000 plants ha−1), S2=50 cm × 20 cm (100000 plants ha−1) and S3 =60 cm × 20 cm (83333 plants ha−1) and three fertilizer doses viz, F1 = 150- 30- 50- 25-3. 5- 1.5 kg ha−1of NPKSZnB (Recommended fertilizer dose for baby corn), F2 = F1 + 25% NPK and F3 = F1 + 50% NPK, were used as treatments. Results revealed that, planting geometry and fertilizer levels showed great influence on leaf area index (LAI), light interception, dry matter production and yield of babycorn. LAI was found the highest with the population of 125000 plants ha−1 receiving N225 P45 K75 kg ha−1.Light absorption was maximum at densely plant population with N225P45K75 kg ha−1. Response of soil-plant-analysis development (SPAD) value to planting geometry and fertilizer level was found significant. Plants grown with 40 cm × 20 cm spacing (125000 plants ha−1) with recommended ferltilizer dose + 50% N- P- K of RF gave the highest dehusked cob yield over the years (3.42 and 3.73 t ha–1) which was followed by 40cm × 20 cm (1,25,000 plants ha−1) with recommended fertilizer dose + 25% N-P-K of RF. Though S1F3 combination gave the highest gross return (Tk.333140 ha–1 in 2019-20 and Tk. 378900 ha–1 in 2020-21) but the highest benefit cost ratio over the years (3.64 and 3.83) was recorded in S1F2 treatment. The overall results indicated that 40 cm × 20 cm (1,25,000 plants ha−1) with fertilizer dose of RFD + 25% NPK (N187.5 P37.5K62.5 S25Zn3. 5B1.5 kg ha−1) might be economically profitable for baby corn production.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2023, 26(1): 96-103

Influence of Growth Regulator and Organic Fertilizers in the Cultivation from Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)

The experiment consisted of ten organic and diverse combination treatments plant growth regulator nutrient management replicated in triplicate in a randomized block design. The primary purpose of the trial was to evaluate the effect organic manure, plant growth regulator, growth and yield of baby corn (Zea mays L.) state of Prayagraj. Three organic levels manure and plant growth regulator are FYM (10t/ha) and NAA (30 ppm), FYM (10t/ha) and GA3 (15.47 ppm), FYM (10t/ha) and Seaweed sap (Ascophyllum nodosum) 5% can be concluded from the current study that profitable production of baby corn can be ensured FYM (10t/ha) and NAA (30 ppm) + FYM(10t/ha) and GA3 (15.47 ppm) (T6). Baby corn is free from pesticides and its nutritional value is comparable to popular vegetables like cabbage and cucumber. Its by-products such as tassel, young husk, silk and green stalks provide good cattle food. It is high in potassium, folic acid, and is a rich source of A, B, E and many other minerals. Corn will remain one of the important, field crops in the developing countries. Considerable scopes exists from promoting baby corn technology in Asia-pacific region. The baby corn industry provides opportunities for higher income, generates employment for the rural poor potential for export. Baby corn is expected to catch the attention of more and more consumers and farmers because of its superior taste and texture.

Baby Corn-Based Intercropping System in Enhancing the Growth and Production of Winter Season Baby Corn in Chhattisgarh Plains

An experiment was carried out during the winter season (rabi) for two years 2019-20 and 2020-21 on Instructional cum Research Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalay, Raipur (C.G.) to enhance the production of baby corn through intercropping. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatment consisting of sole and paired row baby corn along with a combination of various legumes. The treatments were T1 : sole baby corn (45 x 20 cm), T2 : paired row baby corn (30/60 cm) T3 : sole fenugreek (30 x 10 cm), T4 : sole pea (30 x 20 cm), T5 : sole cowpea (30 x 20 cm) T6 : paired row baby corn + pea (2:2), T7 : paired row baby corn + fenugreek (2:2) and T8 : paired row baby corn + cowpea (2:2). The result of the experiment was concluded that growth attributes was highest under the treatment of T6: paired row baby corn + pea which was closely followed by T8: paired row baby corn + cowpea. Also, T6: paired row baby corn + pea maximized the baby corn cob and fodder yield and therefore pea proved to be a valuable intercrop with baby corn in enhancing the production of baby corn.

Productivity and profitability of baby corn (Zea mays)-based cropping systems under various nutrient-management practices

A field experiment was conducted during 2016–17 to 2017–18 at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to study the productivity and profitability of baby corn (Zea mays L.)-based cropping system under various cropping systems with different nutrient-management levels. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 3 baby corn-based cropping systems (CSs) in main plots, viz. CS1 , rainy season baby corn-winter season baby corn-summer season baby corn (RBc – WBc – SBc); CS2 , RBc – WBc + vegetable fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) – summer season vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] (RBc – WBc + VFg – SCp); and CS3 , RBc – WBc + VFg – summer season sweet corn (RBc – WBc + VFg – SSc), and 5 nutrient-management levels, viz. N1 , 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through urea fertilizer (100% RDN – F); N2, 75% RDN – F + 25% RDN through FYM (75% RDN –F + 25% RDN – FYM); N3 , 75% RDN – F + 25% RDN through vermicompost (75% RDN – F + 25% RDN – VC); N4 , 75% N % RDN – F + 25% N through leaf compost (75% RDN – F + 25% RDN – LC); and N5 , microbial consortium of Rhizobium/Azotobacter + phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria + potassium-solubilizing bacteria (R/Azo + PSB + KSB), in subplots. The yield of different component crops converted and presented in terms baby corn-equivalent yield (BCEY) for better understanding. Among the cropping systems, the BCEY differed from 1.99 to 2.18 Mg/ha during the rainy season. Baby corn CSs intensified with vegetable fenugreek during the winter season, resulted in significantly higher BCEY (2.42–2.52 Mg/ha) with CS2 and CS3 than the sole baby corn (CS1 ). Similarly, during the summer season, significantly higher BCEY (3.03–3.07 Mg/ ha) was recorded with CS3 . The cropping system CS2 recorded significantly lowest BCEY during both the years. The net returns in all CSs during rainy season was not differed significantly. During the winter season, significantly higher net returns (130–142 × 103 `/ha) were recorded in both the intensified cropping systems (CS2 and CS3 ) than CS1 (95–98 × 103 `/ha). During the summer season, significantly higher net returns (~186 × 103 `/ha) were recorded in CS3 than both CSs. Among the nutrient-management levels, significantly higher BCEY and net returns were recorded with 75% RDN – F + 25% RDN – FYM, followed by 75% RDN – F + 25% RDN – VC during both the years.

Phenotype Evaluation and Estimation of Genetic Parameter of Baby Corn From Two Generation Selfing and Sibbing

Baby corn is consumed widely in Indonesia, but special corn varieties for baby corn production are not available until now. The objectives of this study were to evaluate phenotypes, estimate the genetic parameters from two generations of selfing and sibbing, and identify the genotypes to develop as baby corn variety. This study was conducted using a completely randomized block design with three replications. Genetic materials used consist of 19 genotypes. They were four genotypes S0, HS1, S1, S2 and three genotypes of HS2. Progenitors(S0) were Laksmi, Golden, Hawaii, and Baruna belonging sweet corn type. Baby corn’s phenotypes from two generations sibbing were more vigor than selfing. Families of HS2 dan S2 have a higher percentage of class A marketable cobs than generations before. Two generations sibbing and selfing increased genetic variances and broad-sense heritability. Families of HS2 had better phenotypic performance than S2, the percentage of class A marketable cobs was higher than S0 and HS1, number of cobs per plant was the highest broad-sense heritability estimation. HS2 families were considered to develop as open-pollinated baby corn varieties.

Assessment of AquaCrop model for simulating Baby corn (Zea mays L.) growth and productivity under different sowing windows and crop geometries

The experiments were conducted at Agro Climate Research Centre, TNAU, Coimbatore. Calibration and validation of AquaCrop model was done using Winter and Kharif, 2022 data. Calibration showed that AquaCrop accurately simulated the canopy cover by low RMSE≤13.1%, good E≤0.76, high d≤0.94 and high R2 values ≥0.98 and biomass development by low RMSE≤13.2%, high E≤0.92, good d≤0.68 and high R2 values ≥0.95. During calibration, model well-simulated the CC under second sowing (D2) and biomass under third sowing (D3). Validation showed almost good fit of CC by low RMSE≤22.0%, good E≤0.68, high d≤0.84 and high R2 values ≥0.97 and biomass development with low RMSE≤7.1%, good E≤0.66, good d≤0.60 and high R2 values ≥0.98. During Validation, model well-simulated the CC and biomass under third sowing (D3). Model showed good fit of yield during first sowing window (D1) with a less deviation for both calibration and validation (15.6% and 5.8% respectively). From the result it could be concluded that sowing windows influence on baby corn production was accurately simulated using AquaCrop during calibration (R2=0.94) and validation (R2=0.98). Hence, AquaCrop proved to be a feasible tool for maximizing the Baby corn yield under different sowing windows.

Effects of nitrogen application and intra-row spacing on growth and yield of baby corn in north-west Ethiopia

Baby corn production is relatively a new venture in Ethiopia including in north-west part of the country. Accordingly, the agronomic practices including rate of nitrogen and intra-row spacing specific to the area is not well known, which obviously influence the productivity of the crop. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of identifying the optimum rate of nitrogen and intra row spacing for enhanced growth and yield responses of the crop in the study area. Field experiment was conducted during 2020/2021 irrigation season where baby corn variety SG-17 was used as test crop. The experiment consisted of factorial combination of five nitrogen levels (0, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg ha−1 N) and three intra row spacing (15, 25 and 35 cm). The results of the study had shown that intra row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer influenced most of the tested parameters. Treatment combination of 200 kg ha−1 nitrogen and 15 cm intra row spacing recorded tallest plants, thickest stems, highest leaf area index, ear weight and length and highest baby corn and stover yields which could be proposed for the production of baby corn in the study area and areas with similar agro-ecologies. Introduction and adaptation trails on different baby corn varieties could be also considered in the future line of work.

Effect of Nano Urea and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) under Prayagraj Condition

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Kharif season 2022. The experiment comprised of ten treatments of different combinations of Nanourea and Zinc nutrient management replicated thrice in a Randomized Block Design. The main objective of the experiment was to evaluate the “Response of Nano urea and Zinc on growth and yield of Baby corn (Zea mays L.)” Prayagraj condition. The three level of nano urea levels N1- 1 ml/l foliar spray nano urea, N2 -2 ml/l foliar spray nano urea and N3 - 3 ml/l foliar spray nano urea. Where-as three levels of zinc include like Z1- 20 kg/ha zinc, Z2- 25 kg/ha zinc and Z3- 30 kg/ha zinc. From the present investigation it may be concluded that the profitable production of baby corn can be secured by ZnSO4 30 kg/ha + Nanourea 3 ml/lt. (T9). Highest Gross returns (92087.17 ₹/ha), Net returns (61352.17 ₹/ha) and B:C ratio (2.00) were recorded significantly high with the application of ZnSO4 30 kg/ha + Nano urea 3 ml/lt.

Influence of the best management practices on performance of dual-purpose baby corn (Zea mays) under eastern Himalayas

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2013–15 at the ICAR–Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland, to evaluate the effect of mulching, liming and integrated nutrition for maximizing the productivity of recently introduced crop baby corn (Zea mays L.) in the region. The results revealed that, use of straw mulches significantly increased the yield attributes of baby corn. Significantly higher yields of green baby cob (10.8 t/ha), baby corn (1.84 t/ha) and green fodders (34.65 t/ha) were recorded with application of 1.0 t lime/ha but was on a par with 0.5 t lime/ha. Similarly, higher yields of green baby cob (10.56 t/ha), baby corn (2.02 t/ha) and green fodder (34.95 t/ha) were noted with application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer through inorganic sources (RDF (IN) + 25% RDF through organic sources (ON). Hence, use of straw mulch integrated with application of lime in furrow @ 1.0 t/ha along with 100% RDF (IN: N-P-K-S-Zn: represents 150-80-60-30-10 kg/ha) + 25% RDF (ON) may be adopted and promoted to achieve the maximum crop productivity of baby corn under the foot-hill condition of eastern Himalayas.

Peat soil based organo-mineral nitrogen fertilizer performed better than urea in improving nutritional quality of baby corn

Organo-mineral fertilizers (OMF) are becoming popular because of their potential to increase crop quality and yield. A pot experiment was carried out in the net house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh to observe the effect of newly formulated peat soil urea (PSU) on the nutritional quality of baby corn in comparison to commercial urea. The experiment was laid out following a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 replicates. In this trial, three sources of nitrogen (N) (urea, PSU-L, and PSU-H) were used to apply N at rates of 50, 75, and 100% of the suggested N application dose. Soil application of PSU fertilizer showed a significant influence on the nutritional parameters of baby corn. A slightly higher chlorophyll a and b were found in PSU treated plants than in commercial urea. The highest cob and fodder N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, and Zn content were found in baby corn that received PSU treatment than commercial urea treatment. The application of PSU in soil showed about 23, 15 and 21% higher N, P, and Zn uptake by baby corn, respectively than commercial urea. Again, N uptake showed a strong correlation with the uptake of other nutrients. In light of the overall findings PSU could be used as N source for the production of high-quality baby corn.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) High Density Planting System under Prayagraj Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Zaid season 2020. The experiment comprised of ten treatments of different combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient management replicated thriceina Randomized Block Design. The main objective of the experiment was to evaluate the Influence of organic and inorganic nutrient management on growth and yield of baby corn (Zea mays L.) Prayagraj condition. The three level of nitrogen levels throw organic and inorganic N1 - 100% Nitrogen through Urea, N2 -75% Nitrogen through Urea + 25% Nitrogen through FYM and N3 - 50% Nitrogen through Urea +50% Nitrogen through FYM. Where-as three levels of high density planting system include like S1 - 25 x 15cm, S2 - 35 x 15cm and S3 - 45 x 15 cm. From the present investigation it may be concluded that the profitable production of baby corn can be secured by 50% Nitrogen through Urea + 50% Nitrogen through FYM + 35 x 15 cm (T9 ).

Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj (UP) during the year 2021 zaid season. The experiment comprised of 9 treatments with different combinations of phosphorus and zinc levels replicated thrice in a Randomized Block Design. The main objective of the experiment was to evaluate the Effect of phosphorus and zinc levels on growth and yield of Babycorn (Zea Mays L.). The phosphorus levels include (50, 60 and 70 kg/ha) and levels of zinc include (05, 15, 25 kg/ha). From the present investigation the profitable production of baby corn can be secure with application of phosphorus (70 kg/ha) and zinc (25 kg/ha).

Effect of NP fertilization and stress-mitigating chemicals on productivity and profitability of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) intensified with baby corn (Zea mays)

A field study was carried out during the summer seasons of 2019 and 2020 at research farm of Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan, to study the effect of NP fertilization and stress mitigating chemicals on productivity and profitability of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and baby corn (Zea mays L.) intercropping system. The experiment was conducted in a split-split plot design with 5 intercropping systems [sole cowpea, sole baby corn, cowpea + baby corn (2: 1), (3: 1) and (4: 1)] in main plot; 3 fertility levels (100, 125 and 150% RDF) in sub-plot and 2 stress-mitigating chemicals (0.5% CaCl2 and 1.0% KNO3 at flowering and pod development stage of cowpea) in sub-subplot, replicated 4 times. Intercropping in 2:1 row ratio of cowpea and baby corn significantly increased the cowpea equivalent-yield, monetary advantage index, land equivalent ratio and economics of intercropping system while the yield of cowpea and baby corn was significantly higher under their sole crops. In sub-plots cowpea-equivalent yield, land-equivalent ratio, monetary advantage index, profitability, seed and cob yield of cowpea, and baby corn were higher with the fertility level of 150% over lower levels. Our results further indicated that 0.5% of CaCl2 significantly enhanced the cowpea-equivalent yield, monetary advantage index and economics of intercropping system and yield of cowpea and baby corn over 1% KNO3. Cowpea should be intercropped as 2:1 row ratio with fertilization of 150% RDF and foliar application of CaCl2 @0.5% at flowering and pod development stage of cowpea is recommended to achieve significantly higher productivity and profitability.