Quality Of Maize Grains Research Articles

Utilizing Principal Component Analysis to Assess the Effects of Complex Foliar Fertilizers Regarding Maize (Zea mays L.) Productivity

This study sought to determine the effects of foliar fertilization (FF) on both the quantity and quality of maize grains using principal component analysis (PCA). This chemometric approach enabled the selection of the best foliar treatment model for enhancing maize yield and quality. The results were analyzed via PCA, providing valuable insights into identifying the FF recipe with the greatest influence on maize grain production and quality. These field experiments were run during the time period 2020–2022 in the university’s experimental field. Seven experimental variants with three repetitions were tested, including a control group and various FF formulations labeled V1 through V7, each with different chemical compositions. FF applications were conducted during specific vegetative phases of the maize, respectively, in stages 15–16 BBCH (5–6 unfolded leaves) and 20–22 BBCH (10–12 unfolded leaves), with application rates varying from 2 to 6 Lha1 according to the product’s chemical properties. The application of FF treatments positively impacted both the production and quality of maize grains, as evidenced by specific quality indices such as moisture, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, fiber, and mineral content.

Effect of Different Fertilizer and Silicon Levels on Grain Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment with spilt plot design was conducted to study the ‘effect of fertility and silicon levels on the nutritional quality of maize’ during Kharif 2022 and 2023 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture (RCA), MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The main plot treatments consist of four levels of Compounded NPK fertilizer (F0: Control, F50: 50% RDF, F75: 75% RDF and F100: 100 % RDF) and the sub-plot treatments consist of four levels of soil application of Diatomaceous Earth (Si0, Si100, Si200 and Si300). Pratap Makka-9 of maize variety was used for research purpose. The protein content, protein yield, carbohydrate and energy in maize grain were higher under 100% RDF than other levels of fertilizer. Application of 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare recorded higher protein content, protein yield, carbohydrate and energy in maize grain over the rest of silicon levels. The crude fat in maize grain was lower in 100% RDF. Application of 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare recorded lower crude fat in maize grain. Significantly higher protein yield was recorded under the combined application of 100% RDF and 300 kg diatomaceous earth per hectare. However, protein yield was at par in the application of 75% RDF with 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare and 100% RDF with 200 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare. The lowest crude fat was recorded under the combined application of 100% RDF and 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare over the rest of treatment combinations. Application of 100% RDF with 300 kg DE ha-1 (F100Si300) was recommended treatment for nutritional high quality maize grain.

Níveis de CO2, quebra técnica e qualidade dos grãos de milho armazenados em diferentes condições

ABSTRACT The use of CO2 sensors has been reported as an effective tool in the early detection of signs of deterioration, allowing good accuracy in decision-making about the quality of stored grains. The objective of this study was to quantify the CO2 levels produced by maize grains stored at ambient temperature in a prototype silo, with initial moisture contents of 14, 16 and 18% w.b., and to evaluate the quality of the product over time and the technical breakage. Analyses of moisture content, ash, proteins, lipids, Hue Angle (color), germination and electrical conductivity were performed. Inside the silos, the amount of CO2, relative air humidity and temperature were monitored every hour. Grain quality evaluations were carried out at four storage times (0, 30, 60 and 90 days). A completely randomized design in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme with six replicates was used. Grains with higher moisture contents showed higher technical breakage and losses associated with CO2 emissions. Moisture content, protein, lipids, germination, bulk density, lightness and chroma decreased over time, while the electrical conductivity increased, resulting in greater damage to membranes and loss of quality of maize grains. Monitoring of CO2 in the grain mass is a good tool to assess the quality of grain, and higher initial moisture content caused greater level of CO2 emission and reduction in quality of maize grains.

Impact of Trichoderma afroharzianum infection on fresh matter content and grain quality in maize.

Trichoderma afroharzianum, a ubiquitous soil-borne fungus found on plant roots and decaying residues, displays competitive traits and mycoparasitic behavior against diverse microorganisms. Selected strains of this fungus are known in agriculture for their beneficial effects on plant growth and as bio-fungicides. However, recent findings have pinpointed Trichoderma afroharzianum as the causal agent behind maize ear rot disease in Europe since 2018, notably impacting maize cobs in Germany, France, and Italy. This study aims to evaluate the severity of Trichoderma ear rot disease on maize fresh matter content and specific quality parameters under semi-field conditions. Two distinct maize varieties were artificially inoculated with a pathogenic Trichoderma isolate at the flowering stage using needle pin or silk channel methods. Disease severity was assessed visually at the time of harvest based on the percentage of infected kernels according to EPPO Guidelines (PP 1/285). Fresh matter content and quality parameters such as alpha-amylase activity, C/N ratio, water, and sugar content were analyzed. Results showed that needle pin inoculation led to higher disease severity (60%) compared to silk channel inoculation (39%). Cob weight decreased significantly at the highest disease severity level by up to 50% compared to control plants. In both varieties, alpha-amylase activity increased significantly with higher Trichoderma disease severity, resulting in starch degradation and increased glucose release. The germination rate was severely affected by the infection, with only 22% of grains germinating, and the seedlings showed shortened and deformed growth. This is the first report on Trichoderma ear rot infection and its effect on fresh matter content and quality parameters in maize after artificial inoculation under field conditions. The results address an important knowledge gap and provide valuable insights into the infection pathway and impact on maize quality.

Effect of Longterm Fertilization and Manuring on Nutritional Quality of Maize Grain

A study on Effect of long term fertilization and manuring on soil quality and nutritional quality of maize (Zea mays L.) under finger millet-maize cropping system was carried out in LTFE plots which has been in progress since 1986 at UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru. Eleven treatments were laid in randomized block design with three replications. The hybrid maize was grown in LTFE plots during Rabi 2021-2022 (35th crop cycle) and qualities of grain were assessed. Application of 100 per cent NPK+ FYM+ lime recorded significantly higher grain quality viz., geometric mean diameter (7.63 mm), bulk density (791 kg m-3), 1000 grain mass (444.10 g), colour (L*72.91, a*4.68, b*27.48), crude protein (10.35%), ash (1.73%), moisture (8.19%) and crude fibre (1.85%). Inorganic fertilization alone, 100% N, 100% NP and control treatments recorded poor quality grain of maize. The conjoint use of organic manures along with chemical fertilizers in balanced form is essential to maintain good soil quality and for quality maize production.

Calcium lignosulfonate-induced modification of soil chemical properties improves physiological traits and grain quality of maize (Zea mays) under salinity stress.

Salinity negatively affects maize productivity. However, calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) could improve soil properties and maize productivity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CLS application on soil chemical properties, plant physiology and grain quality of maize under salinity stress. Thus, this experiment was conducted using three CLS application rates, CLS0, CLS5, and CLS10, corresponding to 0%, 5%, and 10% of soil mass, for three irrigation water salinity (WS) levels WS0.5, WS2.5, and WS5.5 corresponding to 0.5 and 2.5 and 5.5 dS/m, respectively. Results show that the WS0.5 × CLS10 combination increased potassium (K 0.167 g/kg), and calcium (Ca, 0.39 g/kg) values while reducing the sodium (Na, 0.23 g/kg) content in soil. However, the treatment WS5.5 × CLS0 decreased K (0.120 g/kg), and Ca (0.15 g/kg) values while increasing Na (0.75 g/kg) content in soil. The root activity was larger in WS0.5 × CLS10 than in WS5.5 × CLS0, as the former combination enlarged K and Ca contents in the root while the latter decreased their values. The leaf glutamine synthetase (953.9 µmol/(g.h)) and nitrate reductase (40.39 µg/(g.h)) were higher in WS0.5 × CLS10 than in WS5.5 × CLS0 at 573.4 µmol/(g.h) and 20.76 µg/(g.h), leading to the improvement in cell progression cycle, as revealed by lower malonaldehyde level (6.57 µmol/g). The K and Ca contents in the leaf (881, 278 mg/plant), stem (1314, 731 mg/plant), and grains (1330, 1117 mg/plant) were greater in WS0.5 × CLS10 than in WS5.5 × CLS0 at (146, 21 mg/plant), (201, 159 mg/plant) and (206, 157 mg/plant), respectively. Therefore, the maize was more resistance to salt stress under the CLS10 level, as a 7.34% decline in yield was noticed when salinity surpassed the threshold value (5.96 dS/m). The protein (13.6 %) and starch (89.2 %) contents were greater in WS0.5 × CLS10 than in WS5.5 × CLS0 (6.1 %) and (67.0 %), respectively. This study reveals that CLS addition can alleviate the adverse impacts of salinity on soil quality and maize productivity. Thus, CLS application could be used as an effective soil amendment when irrigating with saline water for sustainable maize production.

Comparison on drying characteristic, efficiency, unit drying cost and quality of maize dried by a novel multi-crop mobile dryer, existing industrial dryer and sun drying method

This research aimed to investigate the effects of different drying methods on drying characteristic, drying efficiency, unit drying cost and quality of maize grain dried by newly developed HSTU multi-crop mobile dryer (HMMD) which was operated by alternative heating sources such as LPG and electric heater (EH), existing HSTU multi-crop industrial dryer (HMID) which was operated by rice husk fired cyclonic furnace and sun drying method. The comparative drying experiments were carried out at the drying temperature of 60±5 °C, 70±5 °C and 80 ± 10 °C for HMMD-LPG, HMMD-EH and HMID, respectively, while sun drying was accomplished at 30±5 °C. The results indicated that the HMMD was capable of drying 820 ± 10 kg maize in each batch from 29.8 ± 0.87 % (wb) moisture to 14 ± 0.56 % (wb). Drying time in HMMD-LPG, HMMD-EH, HMID, and sun drying were 8.24 ± 0.18, 7.36 ± 0.17, 10.18 ± 0.16 and 16.14 ± 0.24 h, respectively, indicated that HMMD reduced time significantly for drying of freshly harvested maize. Unit drying cost in BDT/kg for EH and LPG integrated HMMD was 2.64 ± 0.17 and 1.69 ± 0.10, respectively, while lesser unit cost was found in HMID and sun drying methods. However, drying efficiency of HMMD-LPG was the highest (64.79 ± 1.21 %) while HMID exhibited the lowest drying efficiency (49.42 ± 1.63 %). Mechanically dried grain especially by HMMD-LPG was better or comparable in terms of nutritional quality than sun dried maize. HMMD-LPG and HMMD-EH dried grain exhibited a lower ΔE value than HMID and sun dried samples which indicated that the color properties were not affected so much by the drying method. Furthermore, maize samples dried in HMMD had lower microbial loads than other products. Therefore, the HSTU multi-crop mobile dryer with alternative heating source is recommended as an alternative drying technique for quick and safe management of high moisture maize at farm level in Bangladesh and other subtropical countries in contrast to weather depended sun drying method.

Stalk rots complex diseases related to kind of animal manure and insecticide and its effect on the quality of maize grains

Stalk rots complex diseases related to kind of animal manure and insecticide and its effect on the quality of maize grains

Unraveling the effects of zinc sulfate nanoparticles and potassium fertilizers on quality of maize and associated health risks in Cd contaminated soils under different moisture regimes

This study investigated the interactive effects of zinc sulfate nanoparticles (ZnSO4 NPs) and potassium fertilizers (SOP and MOP) on growth and quality of maize (Zea mays L.) under different moisture regimes in cadmium contaminated soils. It seeks to identify how these two different sources of nutrients interact to improve the quality of maize grains and fodder production to ensure food safety and food security under abiotic stresses. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse under two moisture regimes including M1 (non-limiting regime, 20–30 %) and M2 (water-limiting, 10–15 %) at Cd contamination of 20 mg kg−1. The results showed that ZnSO4 NPs combined with potassium fertilizers significantly increased the growth and proximate composition of maize in Cd contaminated soil. Moreover, applied amendments significantly alleviated the stress induced in maize by improving the growth. The greatest increase in maize growth and quality was observed when ZnSO4 NPs were applied in combination with SOP (K2SO4). The results also showed that the interactive effects of ZnSO4 NPs and potassium fertilizers significantly affected the Cd bioavailability in soil and concentration in plants. It was observed that MOP (KCl) enhanced the Cd bioavailability in soil due to presence of Cl anion. In addition, the application of ZnSO4 NPs combined with SOP fertilizer reduced the concentration of Cd in maize grain and shoot, and significantly reduced the probable health risks to humans and cattle. It suggested that this strategy could help to reduce Cd exposure through food consumption and therefore ensure food safety. Our findings suggest that ZnSO4 NPs and SOP can be used synergistically to improve maize crop production and development of agricultural practices in areas affected by Cd contamination. Moreover, by understanding the interactive effects of these two sources of nutrients, this research could help in the management of areas affected by heavy metals contamination. Environmental implicationThe application of zinc and potassium fertilizers can increase the biomass of maize, minimize abiotic stresses, and improve the nutritional value of the crop in Cd contaminated soils; this is particularly true when zinc sulfate nanoparticles and sulfate of potash (K2SO4) are used in conjunction. This form of fertilizer management can lead to a greater, more sustainable yield of maize under contaminated soils, which could have a major impact on global food supply. Remediation coupled with agro-production (RCA) not only improves the effectiveness of the process but will also encourage farmers to take part in soil remediation by easy management.

Genetic variation in ZmWAX2 confers maize resistance to Fusarium verticillioides.

Fusarium verticillioides (F. verticillioides) is a widely distributed phytopathogen that incites multiple destructive diseases in maize, posing a grave threat to corn yields and quality worldwide. However, there are few reports of resistance genes to F. verticillioides. Here, we reveal that a combination of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) corresponding to ZmWAX2 gene associates with quantitative resistance variations to F. verticillioides in maize through a genome-wide association study. A lack of ZmWAX2 compromises maize resistance to F. verticillioides-caused seed rot, seedling blight and stalk rot by reducing cuticular wax deposition, while the transgenic plants overexpressing ZmWAX2 show significantly increased immunity to F. verticillioides. A natural occurrence of two 7-bp deletions within the promoter increases ZmWAX2 transcription, thus enhancing maize resistance to F. verticillioides. Upon Fusarium stalk rot, ZmWAX2 greatly promotes the yield and grain quality of maize. Our studies demonstrate that ZmWAX2 confers multiple disease resistances caused by F. verticillioides and can serve as an important gene target for the development of F. verticillioides-resistant maize varieties.

Influence of nitrogen fertilization on the energy value of maize grain in non-ruminants

Abstract. Maize is the most widely spread energy source used in rations for farm animals and poultry, especially in countries in America, Southern Europe and Asia, where maize grain is the main cereal used for feed. The quality of maize grain is formed under the influence of several interrelated factors. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of different rates of nitrogen fertilization on the chemical composition and energy value of maize grain grown under irrigation conditions in non-ruminants. The study was conducted in the experimental field of the Agricultural Institute – Stara Zagora under irrigation conditions on cinnamon-meadow soil with maize for grain, medium late hybrid LG 35.36 with density of crops – 70000 plants per hectare. The study includes the following four treatments of fertilization: 1 experimental variant N0P80K60 – non-fertilizer control, 2 experimental variant N100P80K60 – fertilization with 100 kg N.ha-1, 3 experimental variant N150P80K60 – fertilization with 150 kg N.ha-1 and 4 experimental variant N200P80K60 – fertilization with 200 kg N.ha-1. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied during the vegetation of the crop in phase 3-5 leaf, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in rates 80 kg P2O5.ha-1 and 60 kg K2O.ha-1 in the main tillage. During the vegetation of the maize, pre-irrigation humidity of 80-85% of field capacity (FC) was maintained by 3 waterings. As the fertilization rate increases, the crude protein content in the maize grain also grows up. During the treatment with the highest fertilizer rate of 200 kg N.ha-1, 9.5% per 1 kg of dry matter (DM) was obtained, followed by the treatment with 150 kg N.ha-1 – with a value of 9.1% per 1 kg of dry matter. The content of crude fiber in the grain of maize with increasing fertilization rate decreases, being the smallest in the treatment with rate 100 kg N.ha-1 – 0.8% per 1 kg of dry matter. The fertilization rate does not have a significant effect on the content of digestible and metabolite energy in corn grain grown under irrigated conditions in pigs and poultry.

Grain Mineral Concentrations in Maize (Zea Mays L.) and Nutrient Use Efficiency as Affected by Fertilizer Management on a Nitisol in Southwestern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers is an appropriate agronomic measure and is particularly important for smallholders who have limited access to mineral fertilizers. However, fertilizer recommendations in terms of crop nutritional value and nutrient efficiency strongly vary in dependence of site-specific conditions. In this study, seven different ratios of bio-waste compost (comp) and mineral fertilizers (MF), consisting of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S), were tested in a two-year field experiment on a Nitisol soil in order to assess their effects on nutritionally important minerals in maize (Zea mays, L. Bako-hybrid) grains as well as the nutrient use efficiency. The application of fertilizers corresponded to an N supply of about 100 kg ha−1, whereby the application of only MF (100 MF) was gradually replaced by compost. Compared to 100 MF the treatments with 40 to 70% of N supply given with compost had a higher concentration of most grain minerals. The most pronounced elevations were found for Fe (570 vs. 304 mg kg‒ 1) and Mn (70.1 vs. 36.3 mg kg‒ 1) when 50% of the N was given with compost in comparison to the 100 MF treatment. The P use efficiency increased particularly when compost was part of the nutrient supply. The results suggest that replacing mineral fertilizer with compost accounting for 40 to 70% of the total N supply would be a suitable option for increasing the nutritional quality of maize grains and to efficiently use fertilizers on this Nitisol.

Potential of bio-organic amendment of palm oil mill effluent manure and plant growth-promoting bacteria to enhance the yield and quality of maize grains in Cameroon

Potential of bio-organic amendment of palm oil mill effluent manure and plant growth-promoting bacteria to enhance the yield and quality of maize grains in Cameroon

Deciphering of Microbes × Nitrogen source fertilizers Interaction for improving nitrogen use efficiency in spring maize

In this study the influence of combined use of organic and inorganic nitrogen (N) sources along with the beneficial micro-organisms on grain N uptake, N use efficiency and N utilization efficiency in maize was evaluated. Organic fertilizer (FYM) and inorganic N source (synthetic fertilizer) was applied in ratio viz. (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0) with and without beneficial micro-organism. Different levels viz. 100, 150 and 200 kg ha−1 of N was used to accelerate the efficiency of N. Results showed that combination of FYM and inorganic N (50:5) along with the application of beneficial micro-organism significantly increased the total N uptake, N utilization efficiency, highest stover grain and grain protein. However, maximum N uptake and protein contents were recorded with application of 150 kg N ha−1. Application of N (100 kg ha−1) gave the highest N-use efficiency and N utilization efficiency. In conclusion, N application level of 100 kg N ha−1, beneficial micro-organism and 50:50 ratio of inorganic and organic N was proved better in enhancing N-use efficiency and grain quality of maize.

The effectiveness of the growth regulators and microfertilizers in fertilization of maize in the Western Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Topicality. Fertilizers are one of the most effective means of influencing the yield and quality of maize grain. Along with macroelements (N, P, K), microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo) play an important role in the formation of maize grain productivity. The need for these elements is small, but they are absolutely necessary for the growth and development of plants. An effective way to provide plants with trace elements during the growing season can be seed treatment and foliar fertilizing, which will contribute to improving the quality of products, increasing yield and economic efficiency of maize cultivation. The use of growth regulators, complex liquid fertilizers is one of the new and promising directions in the agriculture of Ukraine, but little investigated in the conditions of the Western Forest Steppe. Purpose. To study the influence of growth stimulants and complex microfertilizers on the growth and development of plants, the formation of individual productivity indicators, yield and grain quality of maize in the conditions of the Western Forest-Steppe. Materials and Methods. For 2019–2020, the research was conducted on medium loamy podzolized chernozems. In a two-factor experiment, it was studied: DN Meotyda and DB Khotyn hybrids; growth stimulants (Vympel-K, Vympel-2) and microfertilizers (Oracle seeds, Oracle multicomplex, Oracle colofermin zinc, Oracle colofermin magnesium), which were used for seed treatment or spraying of crops in stages of 3–5 and 7–9 leaves. Results. It was established that the maize plants of the studied hybrids formed a different number of ears in the experimental plots, namely, DN Meotyda – 98–108, DB Khotyn – 93–98 productive ears per 100 plants. Pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar feeding of maize at the early growth stages ensured an increase in grain weight per 1 ear of the early-ripening hybrid DN Meotyda by 7.1–27.2 %, and of the mid-early hybrid DB Khotyn – by 5.5–29.4 %, and 1,000 grains weight by 6.9–12.3 % and 10.5–16.0 %, respectively. The grain yield increased by 8.9–27.6 % in the early-ripening hybrid DN Meotyda, and by 8.7–26.1 % in the mid-early hybrid DB Khotyn. Conclusions. The highest indicators of individual productivity and grain yield are provided by the variant that involves seed treatment: Vympel–K + Oracle seed + Oracle zinc; crop treatment in the stage of 3–5 leaves: Vympel–2 + Oracle phosphorus and in the stage of 7–9 leaves: Vympel–2 + Oracle zinc + Oracle magnesium). The grain weight per 1 ear increases by 27.2 for the early-ripening hybrid DN Meotida, by 29.4 % for mid-early DB Khotyn compared to the control; weight of 1,000 grains – by 12.3 and 16.0 %, grain yield – by 27.6 and 26.1 %, respectively. Key words: maize, hybrid, seed treatment, feeding, individual productivity, yield

Molecular Characterization and Efficacy Evaluation of Transgenic Maize Harboring cry2Ab-vip3A-cp4epsps for Insect Resistance and Herbicide Tolerance.

Insect infestation and weed interference have a seriously negative impact on the growth, yield, and grain quality of maize. In this study, transgenic maize plants harboring three exogenous genes, cry2Ab, vip3A, and cp4epsps, that were constructed into a single T-DNA were developed for protection against insects and weeds. The transgene integration sites on the chromosomes in two transgenic maize events, CVC-1 and CVC-2, were determined using whole genome sequencing and specific PCR detection. As revealed by laboratory insect bioassays, these two transgenic events exhibited strong insecticidal toxicity against three major species of Lepidoptera insects, including Mythimna separata, Helicoverpa armigera, and Spodoptera frugiperda, with mortality rates exceeding 96%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, after six days of infestation. In addition, CVC-1 exhibited a high tolerance to glyphosate under field conditions. The successful expressions of cry2Ab, vip3A, and cp4epsps in various tissues at different developmental stages of CVC-1 were validated at the transcriptional and translational levels using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. These findings demonstrated that the transgenic maize CVC-1 developed using this triple gene construct has excellent insect resistance and herbicide tolerance, which may provide a valuable germplasm resource and data support for future maize breeding of insect and weed control.

Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration on nonstructural carbohydrates and grain quality of maize.

We used open-top chambers (OTCs) to simulate the conditions of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration at the Changwu State Key Agro-Ecological Experimental Station of the Loess Plateau. There were three treatments, CK (maize grown under field conditions with natural atmospheric CO2 concentration), OTC (maize grown in the open-top chamber under natural atmospheric CO2 concentration), and OTCe (maize grown in the open-top chamber under elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration of 700 μmol·mol-1).We explored the responses of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and grain quality (soluble sugar, starch and crude protein) of spring maize to elevated CO2 at different growth stages, aiming to provide scientific basis for revealing the adaptation mechanism of maize to elevated CO2. The results showed that the effects of elevated CO2 on NSC content and accumulation in maize varied across organs and growth periods. Elevated CO2 promoted the activation and redistribution of NSC in leaves, stems and roots during reproductive growth period, and significantly increased the amount of NSC conversion to the grains (ATMNSC), as well as the conversion rate to the grains (ARNSC) and the contribution to the grains (ACNSC) in leaves, stems and roots. Compared with CK, the warming effect of OTC inhibited the activation and redistribution of NSC in stems and roots, but promoted the activation and redistribution of NSC in leaves, significantly increased the ATMNSC, ARNSC, and ACNSC of maize leaves. Elevated CO2 did not affect the contents of soluble sugar, starch, and crude protein in maize grains.

Electrotechnical Tools and Computer Image Analysis in Assessing the Quality of Maize Grain During Storage

Abstract The study of qualitative characteristics is becoming increasingly important due to determination of the purchase price and further use of seeds. An important problem of the modern sustainable agriculture is the production of seeds and products with appropriate quality parameters. The research carried out so far proves that the technology of harvesting, transport, and drying conditions as well as storage have an impact on the quality of seeds, determining their usefulness for the industry. The smallest irregularities can cause irreversible changes and significantly reduce the technological value of seeds and their processing products. The use of tools in the field of supporting electrical engineering enables detection and highlighting of image elements so that it becomes readable to the human eye. The aim of the research was to develop technology for evaluating grain in storage using electrotechnical tools and computer techniques.

Effect of different fertilizers on yield and grain composition of maize in the tropical rainforest zone

This study assessed the quality of selected organic-based fertilizers (OBF) (neem-fortified (NM) and cow dung compost (CD)) and compared them with an inorganic fertilizer (IF) NPK 20-10-10 to determine the growth response and grain composition of maize. The field study was conducted in the early and late cropping seasons of 2015 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The experiment, laid out in a randomized complete block design, consisted of six treatments: 100% NM and 100% CD, each at the rate of 3 and 6 t ha-1, IF at 0.3 t ha-1 (inorganic fertilizer recommendation for local maize production), and zero fertilizer application as control. The highest grain yield of maize (1.87 ± 0.13 t ha-1) was obtained with IF and the lowest one (1.01 ± 0.10 t ha-1) with zero fertilizer application. Maize grain yield from the repeated experiment without treatments applications reduced by about 50 and 75% for OBFs and IF and control plots, respectively. Low crude fiber, 2.62-4.13% obtained using OBFs was a good indicator of maize quality. Organic-based fertilizers demonstrated superior effects on the quality of maize grains when compared to the inorganic fertilizer.

Effect of fertilizers enriched with bio-based carriers on selected growth parameters, grain yield and grain quality of maize (Zea mays L.)

Low efficiency of nutrient use, especially nitrogen, from mineral fertilizers under the drought conditions is a worldwide problem in agriculture. Therefore, low-cost, and environmentally friendly technologies that improve the utilization of nutrients from applied fertilizers while increasing water availability to plants are urgently needed. The aim of our research was to prepare bio-based carriers composed from different ratios of natural hydroabsorbent (NHA), synthetic superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and zeolite. The commercial fertilizers (NP and NPK) were enriched with these carriers with subsequent determination of their ability to release nutrients and affect the growth of maize plants grown under drought conditions. The first (i) part of our experiment focused on the lab preparation of bio-based carriers followed by a testing of their abilities to release nitrogen into water in the lab conditions. The effect of selected carriers in the mixture with commercial fertilizers to the growth of maize were subsequently tested under the optimal and limited watering regime in the greenhouse pot experiment (ii). The control treatment (no fertilizer) and fertilization treatments were established, namely, single bio-based carrier (C2) and compound fertilizers (NP, NPK) and their mixture (C2-NP, C2-NPK). The effect of these fertilizers applied in two doses (at the level of 30 and 60 kg/ha N) on the yield and grain quality of maize (iii) was finally evaluated in a two-year field experiment (2020 – 2021). Based on the existing kinetic models, it was possible to the link nitrogen release to the structural variables of the composite carriers. A small volume of zeolite microparticles incorporated into the biopolymer network of the NHA and SAP carrier accelerated the nitrogen release in the lab experiment (i) and increased the maximum amount of released nitrogen in proportion to the zeolite content without significantly affecting the water-holding capacity. The results of the greenhouse pot experiment (ii) demonstrated that application of a bio-based carrier composed of 7 wt% SAP, 7 wt% zeolite and 86 wt% NHA in combination with NP and NPK fertilizers significantly increased chlorophyll content, the ability of maize plants to absorb radiation in photosystem II, and the weight of above-ground maize biomass under limited and optimal irrigation conditions. The C2-NPK increased grain weight, grain yield and protein content in the grain of maize under the field conditions (iii). Fertilizers enriched with bio-based carrier are a promising alternative to improve soil moisture and increase nutrient availability to plants grown not only in drought conditions.