Types Of Maize Research Articles

Nitrogen Level Impacts the Dynamic Changes in Nitrogen Metabolism, and Carbohydrate and Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Improves the Kernel Nutritional Quality of Purple Waxy Maize

Waxy corn is a special type of maize primarily consumed as a fresh vegetable by humans. Nitrogen (N) plays an essential role in regulating the growth progression, maturation, yield, and quality of waxy maize. A reasonable N application rate is vital for boosting the accumulation of both N and carbon (C) in the grains, thereby synergistically enhancing the grain quality. However, the impact of varying N levels on the dynamic changes in N metabolism, carbohydrate formation, and anthocyanin synthesis in purple waxy corn kernels, as well as the regulatory relationships among these processes, remains unclear. To explore the effects of varying N application rates on the N metabolism, carbohydrate formation, and anthocyanin synthesis in kernels during grain filling, a two-year field experiment was carried out using the purple waxy maize variety Jinnuo20 (JN20). This study examined the different N levels, specifically 0 (N0), 120 (N1), 240 (N2), and 360 (N3) kg N ha−1. The results of the analysis revealed that, for nearly all traits measured, the N application rate of N2 was the most suitable. Compared to the N0 treatment, the accumulation and content of anthocyanins, total nitrogen, soluble sugars, amylopectin, and C/N ratio in grains increased by an average of 35.62%, 11.49%, 12.84%, 23.74%, 13.00%, and 1.87% under N2 treatment over five filling stages within two years, respectively, while the harmful compound nitrite content only increased by an average of 30.2%. Correspondingly, the activities of related enzymes also significantly increased and were maintained under N2 treatment compared to N0 treatment. Regression and correlation analysis results revealed that the amount of anthocyanin accumulation was highly positively correlated with the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), but negatively correlated with anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) and UDP-glycose: flavonoid-3-O-glycosyltransferase (UFGT) activity, nitrate reductase (NR), and glutamine synthetase (GS) showed significant positive correlations with the total nitrogen content and lysine content, and a significant negative correlation with nitrite, while soluble sugars were negatively with ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) activity, and amylopectin content was positively correlated with the activities of soluble starch synthase (SSS), starch branching enzyme (SBE), and starch debranching enzyme (SDBE), respectively. Furthermore, there were positive or negative correlations among the detected traits. Hence, a reasonable N application rate improves purple waxy corn kernel nutritional quality by regulating N metabolism, as well as carbohydrate and anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Real-time hazard assessment of maize based on the chilling injury process —— Using a standard curve to establish a daily cumulative assessment method

Cold damage caused by low temperatures is known as chilling injury (CI), and it has consistently been one of the primary meteorological disasters affecting maize. With ongoing global climate change, the issue of chilling injury is becoming more prominent, exhibiting new characteristics and presenting new challenges. Consequently, understanding the disaster process and conducting a more refined real-time chilling injury identification have become significant challenges. In this study, we divided maize planting areas into seven maturity types based on the accumulated temperature, constructed a standard curve of the daily accumulated temperature from 1991 to 2020, proposed real-time identification indicators based on the CI process, and developed a real-time CI hazard assessment model. The results indicated that the model can capture independent CI events and rapidly determine the location, intensity, duration and scope of CIs, thereby providing a basis for accurately understanding the impact of chilling injury and taking timely countermeasures. The combination of accumulated temperature standard curves for seven maturity types of maize and the CI curve was used to construct the CI daily scale identification indicator, ΔEAT. Judgment thresholds for the CI identification indicators at various maturity levels were obtained by correlating them with historical disaster data. The frequency and intensity of maize CI gradually increased from the extremely late-maturing zone to the extremely early-maturing zone, with the seeding and emergence periods being the peak periods for CI. The spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the three different degrees of CI events in 1992, 2004, and 2017 were consistent with the historical disaster records. Northeastern Inner Mongolia and most of Heilongjiang were found to be high-hazard areas for maize CIs. The constructed daily CI identification indicators can accurately and rapidly identify maize CIs, providing practical and targeted guidance for combating these injuries.

The effect of protease supplementation in broiler chicken diets containing maize from different batches on growth performance and nutrient digestibility

Maize is the primary energy source in poultry diets. Nutritional and physical traits related to maize composition can affect nutrient utilization, as well as the efficacy of exogenous enzymes. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of maize from different batches and protease supplementation on growth performance and ileal nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens from 1 to 40 days of age. A total of 1 920-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were assigned in a complete randomized design distributed into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement comprising maize from two different batches (A and B) without and with protease (0 and 200 g/t), totaling 4 treatments and 12 replicates of 40 broiler chickens each. Experimental diets were divided into starter, grower I, grower II, and finisher phases. Both maize types were analyzed for nutritional composition, hardness, and structural differences in the starch granules via scanning electron microscopy. Feed intake, weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated. Ileal digesta was collected at 35 days to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of DM, CP, and ileal digestible energy (IDE). Hardness was higher in maize grains from batch A (P < 0.05), which may be associated with the denser and compact starch granules observed in electron microscopy. Broiler chickens fed maize from batch B and supplemented with protease showed greater WG and better FCR from 9 to 19 days (P < 0.05). From 1 to 40 days, birds fed the maize B diet had greater WG and lower FCR compared to those fed the maize A diet (P < 0.05). In the total period, protease supplementation reduced FCR (P < 0.01). No differences were found for AID of DM and CP, but broilers fed maize B diets had greater IDE (P < 0.05). In conclusion, although nutrient ileal digestibility was unaffected by treatments, the use of maize B led to superior growth performance and energy utilization due to its softer endosperm and starch composition, and protease supplementation reduced FCR and increased IDE regardless of maize batch.

Tar Spot of Maize in Florida

Tar spot, a fungal foliar disease, affects most maize types commonly grown in Florida, such as sweet corn, field corn, and criollo corn. This disease is characterized by brown-to-black, raised structures called stromata, which are embedded in leaf tissue. As a polycyclic disease, tar spot lesions can increase in number as the disease progresses throughout the growing season, leading to reduction of photosynthetic area on the leaves. Tar spot has recently emerged as a significant threat in Florida and in the United States, with reports of up to 100% incidence in maize fields in south Florida. Tar spot occurrence and development in Florida is influenced by several factors, such as environmental conditions, maize types, crop maintenance, and corn growth stages. The purpose of this publication is to promote awareness among Florida growers regarding this newly identified disease and its management practices.

Selection of Local Maize Resistance to Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. SMITH)

Abstract One of the obstacles in increasing corn production is the attack of Spodoptera frugiperda. The resistance of each maize variety to this pest attack varies greatly. This research aims to obtain local types of maize that are resistant to attacks by corn armyworms. The research was conducted in Kediri, East Java. The research used a Complete Randomized Block Design with treatment of various maize varieties local and with rivers. The varieties tried consisted of Kebo Bima, Lameran-Latim, Madura Kuning, Madura Putih, Manik Liu, Seraye-Bali and Sumbawa. The results showed that there was no difference in plant height between all the local corn varieties tested, while the highest number of leaves was produced in the Madura-kuning and Madura-putih varieties. The Manik-Liu variety produces the smallest leaf length and leaf angle compared to other varieties, while the widest leaves are produced by the Sumbawa variety. The flowering period and harvest time were the longest for the Manik-Liu variety, while the fastest for the Kebo Bima variety. The highest shoot root ratio was produced in the Seraye-Bali variety. Based on the maize of grains yield per hectare obtained, the Sumbawa and Seraye-Bali varieties are the most resistant varieties compared to the others and able to provide the highest maize seed yield per hectare.

Associations between whole grains intake and new-onset hypertension: a prospective cohort study.

Epidemiological evidences regarding the association between whole grain intake and the risk of new-onset hypertension are still controversial. We aimed to investigate the relationship between whole grain intake and new-onset hypertension and examine possible effect modifiers in the general population. A total of 10,973 participants without hypertension from the China Health and Nutrition Survey were enrolled, with follow-up beginning in 1997 and ending in 2015. Whole grain intake was assessed by 3 consecutive 24-h dietary recalls combined with a household food inventory. Multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression model after adjusting for potential risk factors. During a median follow-up of 7.0 years, 3,733 participants developed new-onset hypertension. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were as follows: for quartile 2 (HR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.47-0.57), quartile 3 (HR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.42-0.51), and quartile 4 (HR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.31-0.38), compared with quartile 1. Different types of whole grain types, including wheat (adjusted HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.32-0.39), maize (adjusted HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.42-0.59), and millet (adjusted HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.30-0.48), showed significant associations with a reduced risk of hypertension. The association between whole grain intake and new-onset hypertension was stronger in individuals with older age (P for interaction < 0.001) and higher BMI (P for interaction < 0.001). Higher consumption of whole grains was significantly associated with a lower risk of new-onset hypertension. This study provides further evidence supporting the importance of increasing whole grain intake for hypertension prevention among Chinese adults.

Philippine Traditional Maize with Resistance to Asian Corn Borer [Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)] Leaf and Stalk Feeding Damage

Maize has been identified as an excellent alternative to rice as a staple food in the Philippines. The Asian corn borer (ACB; Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée), one of the most destructive insect pests of maize, damages plants throughout their vegetative and reproductive stages. Most open-pollinated varieties are threatened by pests and diseases. The CGUARD program investigated the potential of traditional Philippine maize as a source of resistance to major insect pests, including ACB. This paper evaluated the response of the selected 149 Philippine traditional maize accessions to ACB at vegetative and reproductive stages through laboratory bioefficacy procedures for potential resistance without the presence of Bt leaf and stalk-feeding resistance were determined through mean larval survival and mean tunnel length, respectively, after 5 d using laboratory- reared second-instar larvae. Improvements in screening procedures for laboratory assays are detailed in this report. Fourteen (14) accessions were identified to have promising leaf-feeding resistance, whereas 30 accessions were identified for stalk-feeding resistance. The resistance of APN 0088, a white glutinous type of maize from Palawan, to both leaf and stalk feeding of ACB was also validated. The results demonstrate the presence of natural resistance to ACB in traditional maize that has been exposed to the threat of the pest for decades. These promising accessions may be utilized to generate ACB-resistant or-tolerant maize, in addition to other breeding programs. Several pigmented varieties with ACB resistance were also identified, which may be further examined for their nutritional properties and potential as functional foods. By utilizing our traditional varieties, we are boosting local maize production that will benefit small-scale farmers and ultimately providing them with a high-performing variety that is crucial in this time of changing climate.

Performance Evaluation of Power Operated Chaff Cutter for Selected Fodder Crops

The study was conducted to evaluate the performance of power operated chaff cutter for three types of fodder crops, viz., jowar, maize, and sorghum, under load and no-load conditions during kharif (July to October, 2022) at Farm Machinery Testing Centre (FMTC), University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka (16.2051°N,77.3303°E). The hardness of the blade was recorded to be 54 HRC, and the rate of wear of blades on a mass basis and a dimensional basis was recorded as 0.013% - 0.026% and 0.028% - 0.047% per hour, respectively. The power consumption of the chaff cutter at no load was recorded as 0.42 kWh. Similarly, the quantity of cut fodder received was measured as 621 - 623 kg h-1 and 1710 - 1816 kg h-1 for dry and wet fodder, respectively. The maximum specific energy consumption was recorded as 1123.21 - 2396.0 kg kWh-1 in dry and wet fodder, respectively. The quality of cut ranged from 0.38 - 0.42 and 0.41 - 0.43 in dry and wet fodder, respectively. The performance index of chaff cutters was recorded as 471.37 and 1006.34 for dry and wet fodder, respectively. The maximum efficiency was recorded as 96.62 - 97.87% and 97.50 - 98.10% for dry and wet fodder, respectively. The power-operated chaff cutter was operated for a long-run test (23.00 h) for cutting jowar (dry), maize, and sugarcane crops in both wet and dry conditions was done. No breakdown in the cutter head, feeding mechanism, transmission systems, body of the chaff cutter was noticed.

Phenotypic characterization of Southeastern United States open‐pollinated maize landraces

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L. subsp. mays) is the most important crop in the United States, but maize food and distillation products often rely on varieties that are not bred explicitly for these purposes. Farmers targeting niche food grain markets have expressed interest in historical open‐pollinated varieties of maize, but few such populations are widely available, and even fewer are well‐characterized. We planted field trials of 76 open‐pollinated heirloom varieties available from seed catalogs and the United States Department of Agriculture germplasm collection along with four F1 hybrid cultivars. We measured 24 traits across 3 years and three locations to characterize the selected varieties and measure their phenotypic relationships. We identified a subset of 19 traits with heritability &gt;0.5 and pairwise correlation coefficients not exceeding 0.9 for phenotypic analysis. Our results demonstrate that many historical accessions contain substantial genetic variation that should permit improvement from within‐population selection. Variety name and origin are often not useful indicators of phenotypic relationships or potential crop value, although Hickory King varieties have maintained their identity even following global dispersion. Cluster analysis identifies nine morphologically distinct groups within the varieties tested, which are largely in agreement with previously proposed landrace groupings. Our results suggest a complex intermixing of Southern Dents with other maize types, rather than a clear distinction between Southern Dents and Derived Southern Dents, however. Genetic analysis of larger samples of US open‐pollinated populations will help better define the natural classification of maize indigenous to the United States.

Sensitive detection of genetically modified maize based on a CRISPR/Cas12a system.

With the vigorous development of biotechnology, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have become more and more common. In order to effectively supervise and administrate them, the rapid and accurate detection of GMOs is urgently demanded. Here, GMO gene-specific sensing methods based on colorimetry and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) were proposed based on the lateral branch cleavage function of the CRISPR/Cas12a system. Two transgenes, pCaMV35S and M810 Cry1Ab, were chosen as targets for transgenic crops. By using these methods, we performed transgenic detection on five types of maize leaves and successfully distinguished transgenic from non-transgenic samples. The colorimetric method is rapid, economical and available for field detection. The SERS approach, giving a higher sensitivity to 100 fM, is more suitable for laboratory application scenarios. This study explores practical transgenic detection approaches and will be valuable for the supervision of GMOs.

Natural variation of functional components between Korean maize types

Natural variation of functional components between Korean maize types

Estimating leaf age of maize seedlings using UAV-based RGB and multispectral images

Leaf age is an essential parameter for describing the growth stage of crop. Thus, agronomists can develop timely cultivation strategies to promote maize growth according to leaf age. However, the traditional leaf age observation approach, which is inefficient, necessitates a large amount of people to investigate it in the field with destructive sampling. So, accurately quantifying leaf age under various maize types and production conditions remains a challenge. The purpose of this study was to develop a remote sensing monitoring approach for rapidly and non-destructively estimating the leaf age of maize seedlings. The UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) high-throughput phenotyping platform was constructed to collect multi-source remote sensing images from maize emergence to jointing stage. Based on RGB and multispectral (MS) images, the image features of maize seedlings were extracted to construct the leaf age estimation models. The results showed that two regression models provided a reliable estimate performance of seedling leaf age, GBDT of which the best estimates are R2 of 0.88, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.33, similarly, XGBoost being R2 of 0.89, RMSE of 0.32. The RGB-based model presented more accurate estimates (in terms of relative Root Mean Square Error of 9.26%) than the MS-based model (13.97%) and the RGB + MS-based model (12.26%). The results indicated that the maize seedling leaf age estimation method constructed in this study provides powerful technical support for agronomists to observe leaf age in the field.

Maize seeds forecasting with hybrid directional and bi-directional long short-term memory models.

The purity of the seeds is one of the important factors that increase the yield. For this reason, the classification of maize cultivars constitutes a significant problem. Within the scope of this study, six different classification models were designed to solve this problem. A special dataset was created to be used in the models designed for the study. The dataset contains a total of 14,469 images in four classes. Images belong to four different maize types, BT6470, CALIPOS, ES_ARMANDI, and HIVA, taken from the BIOTEK company. AlexNet and ResNet50 architectures, with the transfer learning method, were used in the models created for the image classification. In order to improve the classification success, LSTM (Directional Long Short-Term Memory) and BiLSTM (Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory) algorithms and AlexNet and ResNet50 architectures were hybridized. As a result of the classifications, the highest classification success was obtained from the ResNet50+BiLSTM model with 98.10%.

Elucidation of zein isoforms associated with high protein quality traits for targeted improvement in maize‐based nutrition

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesZein proteins of maize endosperm are nutritionally poor, but important for vitreous kernel texture. The Opaque‐2 mutation enhances the protein quality but downregulates zein expression, distorting the kernel texture. Quality protein maize (QPM) is nutritionally improved, hard endosperm maize developed by introgression of endosperm modifiers under an opaque‐2 background. The present study aims to analyze the variability in zein expression patterns in normal, opaque‐2, and QPM lines through sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis analyses.FindingsResults revealed that the total number of zein isoforms is almost similar in opaque‐2, normal, and QPM lines. Overall, in this study, it is concluded that the opaque‐2 mutation specifically affects the expression of high‐molecular‐weight zeins, which are being counterbalanced by the expression of low‐molecular‐weight zein isoforms and nonzein proteins.ConclusionGenomic data retrieval studies revealed the possible presence of multiple 27 kDa isoforms with varied isoelectric points (pI), which is a subject for further investigation. The differential expression of 15 kDa zein in QPM emerged as a novel player in endosperm modification.Significance and NoveltyThe present study provides insight into the diversified expression of zeins in different maize types. The variable isoform expression has the potential to generate stable QPM lines by targeting effective isoforms, ensuring endosperm modification without hampering the nutritional quality.

Detecting endosperm cracks in soaked maize using μCT technology and R-YOLOv7-tiny

Seed soaking is an important pre-sowing seed enhancement process in maize production. The efficient detection of invisible internal endosperm cracks during the soaking process is crucial for analysing the variations in maize endosperm cracks. In this study, a maize endosperm crack detection method is proposed using μCT technology and the R-YOLOv7-tiny model. The YOLOv7-tiny model was improved by introducing a rotated box, CSL, and Skew-NMS, transforming it into a rotated object detection algorithm. The GhostConv module replaced the Conv module, the SiLU activation function replaced the LeakyReLU activation function, and the CoT block and C3_TR module were added to the backbone and neck parts of the model to make the model focus more on crack feature extraction. Crack information was automatically extracted by integrating the crack length and number extraction algorithm in the detection head of the R-YOLOv7-tiny model. After 300 iterations of training, theP, R, AP, size, and detection speed of the model on a test set was 93.80%, 87.90%, 92.10%, 9.70 MB, and 67.11 fps, respectively. The proposed method was tested on endosperm crack images of six types of maize, and the MSE, RMSE, MAE, MAPE, and crack miss detection rate of the overall crack detection was 0.05 mm, 0.22 mm, 0.16 mm, 7.86%, and 7.29%, respectively. These results show that the proposed method could automatically extract information on endosperm cracks in seed-soaked maize with high accuracy. The results of this study can be utilised to analyse the changes in endosperm cracking during the soaking process accurately and rapidly, providing a reference for the maize soaking process.

Genetic study of two populations of Sitophilus oryzae following two types of maize: Yellow maize and yellow-white maize from two different localities in Senegal

The objective of this study is to determine the genetic diversity and structure, demographic evolution and phylogenetic relationships of Sitophilus oryzae (S. oryzae) in two types of maize: yellow maize and yellow-white maize from two localities in Senegal. Thus, individuals of S. oryzae from each locality are used, after sampling and massive rearing. The Cyt-B gene of the mitochondrial DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) was targeted and sequenced. The obtained sequences are corrected, aligned and exploited. Overall, haplotypic diversity (Hd) is non-significantly high (0.895 ±0.058) while nucleotide diversity (Nd) is significantly low (0.016±0.003), even when populations are considered separately; the Salemata population (Hd=0.949 ±0.051, Nd= 0.015±0.003) is more diverse with P-values≤0.05. Results confirmed by polymorphism with a high number of singletons and haplotypes. This genetic variability can be explained by the fact that we had two different substrates but phenotypically very similar. The parameters of genetic differentiation, demographic and phylogenetic evolution revealed a weak genetic structuring of S. oryzae, populations in demographic expansion and poorly defined parental relationships between populations. This study provided further insight into the genetic characteristics of Sitophilus.

The importance of insect pest biocontrol for maize production: an expert survey

ABSTRACT Maize is the most important staple crop in the world; 1.15 billion tons were produced in 2019. Insect herbivores cause significant damage for maize production, and as a result, global pesticide use has increased over the last 20 years causing severe environmental degradation and negative impacts on human health. Today, there is a trend toward including more sustainable management practices that are less harmful to biodiversity and human health. One such a practice is the use of natural enemies to regulate pest populations using conservation biocontrol or introduction of biocontrol agents. These practices have been in place for several decades in different cultivation systems and regions throughout the world, however; information about the effects of more sustainable management practices on maize production is scarce. We conducted an expert assessment to evaluate whether there are any general trends or consensus about the importance of biocontrol for maize production globally. We compiled information from 70 experts from 28 different countries using an online survey. Of those surveyed, 91% of experts agreed that biocontrol was important for maize production regardless the type of maize they study, the final harvest destination or crop use, or management regime. Using the information obtained, we identify several opportunities for engaging with farmers in order to use biocontrol as a tool toward agricultural sustainability.

Type 2–resistant starch and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCIMB 8826 result in additive and interactive effects in diet-induced obese mice

Little is known about how combining a probiotic with prebiotic dietary fiber affects the ability of either biotic to improve health. We hypothesized that prebiotic, high-amylose maize type 2–resistant starch (RS) together with probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCIMB8826 (LP) as a complementary synbiotic results in additive effects on the gut microbiota in diet-induced obese mice and other body sites. Diet-induced obese C57BL/6J male mice were fed a high-fat diet adjusted to contain RS (20% by weight), LP (109 cells every 48 hours), or both (RS+LP) for 6 weeks. As found for mice fed RS, cecal bacterial alpha diversity was significantly reduced in mice given RS+LP compared with those fed LP and high-fat controls. Similarly, both RS+LP and RS also conferred lower quantities of cecal butyrate and serum histidine and higher ileal TLR2 transcript levels and adipose tissue interleukin-6 protein. As found for mice fed LP, RS+LP–fed mice had higher colonic tissue TH17 cytokines, reduced epididymal fat immune and oxidative stress responses, reduced serum carnitine levels, and increased transcript quantities of hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α. Notably, compared with RS and LP consumed separately, there were also synergistic increases in colonic glucose and hepatic amino acids as well antagonistic effects of LP on RS-mediated increases in serum adiponectin and urinary toxin levels. Our findings show that it is not possible to fully predict outcomes of synbiotic applications based on findings of the probiotic or the prebiotic tested separately; therefore, studies should be conducted to test new synbiotic formulations.

Genetics and Environmental Factors Associated with Resistance to Fusarium graminearum, the Causal Agent of Gibberella Ear Rot in Maize

Maize is one of the most important food and feed sources at the worldwide level. Due to this importance, all the pathogens that can infect this crop can harm both food safety and security. Fungi are the most important pathogens in cultivated maize, and Fusarium spp. are one of the most important families. Reduction in yield and production of dangerous mycotoxins are the main effects of Fusarium spp. infection. Fusarium graminearum (part of the Fusarium graminearum species complex) is one the most important fungi that infect maize, and it is the causative agent of Gibberella ear rot (GER). The main characteristics of this species include its ability to infect various species and its varying infection pressures across different years. This fungus produces various harmful mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, butanolide, and culmorin. Infection can start from silk channels or from ear wounds. In the first case, the environmental conditions are the most important factors, but in the second, a key role is played by the feeding action of lepidopteran larvae (in Europe, Ostrinia nubilalis). All these factors need to be taken into account to develop a successful management strategy, starting from cropping methods that can reduce the source of inoculum to the direct control of the fungus with fungicide, as well as insect control to reduce ear wounds. But, the most important factor that can reduce the effects of this fungus is the use of resistant hybrids. Different studies have highlighted different defensive methods developed by the plant to reduce fungal infections, like fast drying of silk and kernels, chemical compounds produced by the plant after infection, and mechanical protection from insects’ wounds. The aim of this paper is to review the scientific evidence of the most important management strategies against GER in maize and to highlight the genetic basis which is behind hybrid resistance to this disease, with a focus on genes and QTLs found in studies conducted across the world and with different types of maize from tropical cultivars to European flint.

Effect of Compound (NPSB) Fertilizer Type on Yield and Nutrient use Efficiency of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Beko Village in Yeki District, Southwest Ethiopia

Farmer in different parts of Ethiopia uses a similar type of fertilizer and amounts that are below the crop requirements, even the low soil fertility which limits crop production in general. To solve the over-blanket fertilizer application over different agroecology Ethiopian Soil Information System (EthioSIS) mapped the soil fertility and recommended types of fertilizer for a specific location. A NPSB type of fertilizer where recommended for Beko village, but the rate of this fertilizer type was not studied so far. So, this field experiment was conducted to determine the rate of NPSB fertilizer type and nutrient use efficiency of maize during the 2018 cropping season. A total of eight treatments with four replications were laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design. Treatments were control (zero fertilizer), previously blanket recommended nitrogen and phosphorus (92 N+ 69 P2O5) kg/ha, 150 NPSB +100 urea +100 K2O kg/ha, 200 NPSB +100 urea + 100 K2O kg/ha, 250 NPSB +100 urea +100 K2O kg/ha, 150 NPSB +150 urea +100 K2O kg/ha, 200 NPSB +150 urea +100 K2O kg/ha and 250 NPSB +150 urea +100 K2O kg/ha. Data were statistically analyzed by statistical analysis system (SAS) and mean treatment differences were compared by least significant differences (LSD). An analysis of variance indicated that application of NPSB fertilizer was not influenced plant height, ear height, ear length, cob length, number of ears per plant, thousand seed weight, harvest index, and shelling percentage as compared to the previously blanket recommended Nitrogen and Phosphorus (NP) fertilizer but grain and above-ground dry biomass were influenced except the application of 150 NPSB +100 urea. Application of 250 NPSB + 100 urea gave the highest maize grain yield (8828.2 kg/ha). Application of NPSB fertilizer improved the nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency of maize compared to the previously blanket recommended NP. The highest N use efficiency (64.75 kg/ha) was obtained from the application of 200 NPSB +100 urea, while the lowest N use efficiency (23.89 kg/ha) was from the previously blanket recommended NP fertilizer. As economic analysis indicated that the application of 150 NPSB +100 urea is recommended for the study area.