Yield Of Sweet Corn Research Articles

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS OF PHYTOHORMONES ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SWEET CORN (Zea mays sturt L.)

This study aims to determine the growth and yield of sweet corn based on the concentration of phytohormones sprayed day and night. As well as to find out which concentration of phytohormones gives the best effect on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, age of flowering, fruit weight, and number of fruit. This study used a two-factor completely randomized design (CRD). The first factor of phytohormone concentrations consisted of T0 = 0 ml/L, T1 = 6 ml/L, T2 = 8 ml/L, T3 = 10 ml/L, T4 = 12 ml/L with 3 repetitions and 27 experimental units. The subject of this research is phytohormone and the object of this research is sweet corn of bonanza F1 variety. Collecting data in this study is by direct observation and documentation. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) followed by the DMRT test if there was an effect. Based on the results of the DMRT test, treatment T4 = 12 ml/L had an effect on plant height and fruit weight with values of 195.4 cm and 162 grams, respectively. Treatment T3 = 10 ml/L had an effect on the number of leaves with a value of 18.7 and treatment T1 = 6 ml/L had an effect on the age of flowering with a value of 46.2 HST. The best phytohormone administration is produced from the administration of phytohormone which is sprayed during the day.

Cover Crop Termination Method and N Fertilization Effects on Sweet Corn Yield, Quality, N Uptake, and Weed Pressure

Cover cropping is vital for soil health. Timing and method of termination are major factors influencing the agroecological benefits of cover crops. Delay in the termination of cover crops results in greater biomass production. Likewise, incorporation of cover crops during termination often speeds residue mineralization compared to no-till systems. We used four termination strategies for a late-terminated winter rye–legume mix (in tilled and no-till systems) and four N application rates in the succeeding sweet corn crop to examine how cover crop termination affected N response in sweet corn as well as the independent effects of N application rate and cover crop termination method. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Increasing N fertilization up to 144 kg N ha−1 promoted yield and quality in sweet corn as well as summer weed growth. The cover crop termination method did not affect sweet corn response to N fertilizer. This suggests that when rye is terminated late in the spring before planting cash crops, the incorporation of its residues may not greatly affect the soil N dynamics. This indicates that decisions to incorporate rye residues may be taken by farmers with an eye mainly towards management issues such as weed control, environmental impacts, and soil health.

Residual effect of shredded cotton (Gossypium species) stalks and fertility levels on productivity, quality parameters and economics of sweet corn (Zea mays)

A field experiment was carried out during the winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 on sandy clay loam soil of College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, to study the effect of incorporation of cotton (Gossypium sp.) stalk on soil-fertility status and yield of succeeding sweet corn (Zea mays L.). The treatments comprised 2 levels of residue management, viz. shredded cotton stalks incorporation and no incorporation, and 5 fertility levels, viz. control, 75% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 100% RDF, 125% RDF and 150% RDF, making 10 treatment combinations. There was no significant impact of residue incorporation on yield and quality parameters of sweet corn over the residue removal but NPK uptake was enhanced with cotton-stalk incorporation. However, higher net returns and benefit : cost (B : C) ratio were obtained with residue removal plots. An application of 150% RDF (300 : 90 : 75 kg NPK/ha) resulted in the significant increase in yield and was at par with 125% RDF (250 : 75 : 62.5 kg NPK/ha). Quality parameter, viz. crude protein (11.6%), was higher with the application of 150% RDF, being at par with 125% RDF. The higher gross returns, net returns and B : C ratio were obtained with 150% RDF. It would be, therefore, advisable to apply 125% RDF (250 : 75 : 62.5 kg NPK/ha) to sweet corn. The interaction effect between residue management and fertility levels was non-significant for all the parameters of sweet corn.

Effect of Different Soil Types and Plant Densities on Growth Dynamic and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.) in Peninsular Malaysia

Aims: Soils and plant densities are two of the major factors affecting sweet corn growth and yield. Although many worldwide studies were done to evaluate the effect of these factors on sweet corn, it is still necessary to do more study in this area because environmental factors will give significant effect to growth and yield of sweet corn. The objective of this study is to assess yield optimization through different plant densities for different type of soils for sweet corn (Zea mays L.) cultivation.
 Study Design: The experiment was carried out from February to May 2018 using split-split plot design with four replications. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with probability value of @ 0.05 using LSD was used to analyze the obtained data. Regression analyses were performed using Nonlinear Regression Model (NLIN Procedure); Logistic Growth Model y=A/(1+be-cx) and their rate of change was calculated using its derivate, dy/dx = (Abce-cx)/(1+be-cx)2.
 Methodology: A variety of sweet corn seed Akik SC422 at (i) four soils which were riverine soil (Tanah Merah, Kelantan), BRIS (Bachok, Kelantan), peat (Simpang Renggam, Johor) and sedentary soil (UPM, Serdang, Selangor) assigned as the main plots with (ii) 1 and 2 row(s) per bed plant arrangements as subplots at (iii) 25 cm and 50 cm planting distances formed as sub-subplots.
 Results: Interaction between peat at 2-row per bed plant arrangement at 25 cm planting distance produced the highest potential plant height while peat at 1-row per bed plant arrangement at 50 cm planting distance the best in highest potential in stem diameter. The interaction between peat with 1-row per bed plant arrangement at 50 cm planting distance; low plant density produced the highest in cob weight, cob length, cob diameter, thousand kernel’s weight and total sugar content. This was reflected by higher growth rates of photosynthesis rate, leaf area per plant and relative chlorophyll content of each individually plant. However, the interaction between peat with 2-row per bed plant arrangement at 25 cm planting distance; high plant density produced the highest in quantity per hectare.
 Conclusion: Results of this study confirms that significant differences in the plant growth, physiological attributes and yield components of sweet corn grown on different soil types, plant arrangements and planting distances.

Sweet corn growth, yield, and lignocellulose decomposition on Excelzyme-treated Histosol

Histosol is a sub-optimal soil containing high lignocellulose resulting in its lower decomposition rate. To improve Histosol decomposition, the application of Excelzyme was used. The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the decomposition rate of lignocellulose of histosol treated with Excelzyme; and (2) to determine the best dosage of Excelzyme for the growth and yield of sweet corn. The study has been conducted at the University of Bengkulu Research Station, from July to November 2021. This experiment was designed in randomized completely block design, involving dosages of Excelzyme i.e. E0 = 0 ml plot-1; E1 = 1,000 ml plot-1; E2 = 1,500 ml plot-1; and E3 = 2,000 ml plot-1. The plot size was 2 m x 3 m, and all treatments were repeated 3 times. Results of the study showed that Excelzyme application affects the rate of histosol decomposition showed by decreasing lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose compared with the untreated Histosol. The best dosage of Excelzyme was 2.000 ml plot-1 that decrease lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose content by 32.69 %, 24,43 %, and 5.80 % in the upper 0 – 15 cm respectively compared to the untreated Histosol. While in the 15 – 30 cm depth, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose decrease by 25,92 %, 21.11 %, and 7.05 % respectively, compared with the untreated histosol. The application of Excelzyme of various dosages was not significantly affecting soil pH at both depths as well as sweet corn growth and yield.

Effects on growth and yields of sweet corn using internet of things (IoT) based smart drip irrigation and ETc based drip irrigation systems

Effects on growth and yields of sweet corn using internet of things (IoT) based smart drip irrigation and ETc based drip irrigation systems

Growth and yield of sweet corn in response to the liquid organic fertilizer derived from Tithonia diversifolia and Ageratum conyzoides

Sweet corn is a popular alternative vegetable among Indonesians. Because the majority of its growing area is alternated with other vegetable crops, a strategy for managing the source of fertilizer is required to ensure efficiency and sustainability. This research aims to determine an optimum dose of LOF derived from T. diversifolia and A. conyzoides for increasing sweet corn growth and yield. A completely randomized block design was used to set up five levels of fertilizer application: 750 mL LOF without T. diversifolia and A. conyzoides as fresh materials, 750 mL LOF, 1.500 mL LOF, 2.250 mL LOF, derived from T. diversifolia and A. conyzoides as fresh materials, and a standard dose of inorganic fertilizer. The findings revealed that LOF derived from T. diversifolia and A. conyzoides had a significant effect`on plant height, stem diameter, ear length, ear diameter, and ear weight, as well as on ear weight per plot. When compared to the LOF treatment without T. diversifolia and A. conyzoides, plants nutrients obtained from standard inorganic fertilizer or LOF of T. diversifolia and A. conyzoides of 2.250 mL had a higher average for all observed variables, including plant height, stem diameter, ear length, ear diameter, ear weight, and ear weight per plot. Based on the current research, adding liquid organic fertilizer made from T. diversifolia and A. conyzoides at a rate of 2.250 mL per plant led to the best growth and yield of sweet corn. The findings confirm the possibility of replacing inorganic fertilizer with LOF from local plants like T. diversifolia and A. conyzoides.

Effect of Climate Smart Nitrogen and Water Management Approaches on Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn

A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in the research farm of OUAT, Bhubaneswar. The experiment was conducted in a strip plot design having four each of climate smart water and nutrient management approaches replicated four times. All the growth attributes like plant height, LAI, dry matter production as well as the yield attributing characters were superior under EFI with mulch and INM treatments in water and nitrogen management approaches, respectively. Optimal irrigation practice i.e. each furrow irrigation (EFI) with mulch in sweet corn resulted in higher cob yield (27.64 t/ha) followed by EFI alone. Similarly, INM practices comprising of 75% STBNR + 25% N through FYM produced higher cob yield (30.91 t/ha) as compared to other N-management options and was closely followed by STBNR.

Performance of Sweet Corn Hybrids (Zea mays saccharata) as Influenced by Soil and Foliar Application of Zinc

A field experiment entitled “Performance of sweet corn hybrids (Zea mays saccharata) as influenced by soil and foliar application of zinc” was conducted during kharif 2018 at the Experimental Farm of the Division of Agronomy, Wadura, SKUAST-K. The experiment comprised of two factors with three sweet corn hybrids, viz., Sugar 75, FSCH 75 and CMVL SC and four zinc levels, viz., soil application of ZnSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1, soil application of ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 (0.5%) foliar spray at knee high stage, soil application of ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 (0.5%) foliar spray at tasseling stage and ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSB @ 200 ml/kg of seed laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results of the experiment revealed that hybrids had a significant effect on the yield attributes and yield of sweet corn and among different hybrids, Sugar 75 recorded significantly higher yield attributes and yield of sweet corn. However, hybrids had no effect on number of cobs per plant. Hybrid FSCH 75 recorded significantly lowest values for yield attributes and yield. Among zinc levels, soil application of ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 (0.5%) foliar spray at knee high stage produced significantly higher yield attributes and yield whereas zinc level ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSB @ 200 ml/kg of seed recorded significantly lowest values of all the yield attributes and yield. However, zinc levels had no effect on number of cobs per plant. The economic analysis showed that highest net profit and benefit cost ratio of ₹466230.5 and 4.37 respectively was recorded by hybrid sugar 75 applied with zinc level of ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 (0.5%) foliar spray at knee high stage whereas lowest net profit and benefit cost ratio of ₹294742.5 and 2.76 respectively by hybrid FSCH 75 applied with zinc level, ZnSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 + ZnSB @ 200 ml/kg of seed.

Growth analysis of sweet corn plants treated with a soil amendment

This study examined the effect of Zeolite soil amendment on performance (growth and yield) of sweet corn.The experiment was carried out in rice fields in KP. Mojosari, Mojosari District, Mojokerto Regency in MK II 2021 (April to September 2021), with 10 fertilization treatments which are the combination of the best Zeolite soil improver fertilization dose on sweet corn plants, including treatment A (control), B (Urea 200 kg/ha, ZA 100 kg/ha, NPK 275 kg/ha, without Zeolite), C (Urea 200 kg/ha, ZA 100 kg/ha, NPK 275 kg/ha, Zeolite 1,250 kg/ha), D (Urea 200 kg/ha, ZA 100 kg/ha, NPK 275 kg/ha, Zeolite 2,500 kg/ha), E (Urea 200 kg/ha, ZA 100 kg/ha, NPK 275 kg/ha, Zeolite 3750 kg/ha), F (Urea 200 kg/ha, ZA 100 kg/ha, NPK 275 kg/ha, Zeolite 5,000 kg/ha), treatment G (Urea 150 kg/ha, ZA 75 kg/ha, NPK 200 kg/ha, Zeolite 1,250 kg/ha), H (Urea 150 kg/ha, ZA 75 kg/ha, NPK 200 kg/ha, Zeolite 2,500 kg/ha), I (Urea 150 kg/ha, ZA 75 kg/ha, NPK 200 kg/ha, Zeolite 3,750 kg/ha), J (Urea 150 kg/ha, ZA 75 kg/ha). ha, NPK 200 kg/ha, Zeolite 5,000 kg/ha), which was repeated 3 times, using a Randomized Block Design (RAK), analyzed by ANOVA if significantly different followed by Duncan’s Significant Difference Test (DMRT 5%). Parameters measured were leaf area, leaf area index, plant growth rate, net assimilation rate, ear length, ear diameter, weight per plant ear and cob weight per hectare. The results showed that Zeolite soil enhancer was quite effective in increasing growth which affected the yield of sweet corn obtained. Provision of Zeolite soil amendment as much as 1,250 kg/ha accompanied by Urea fertilization 200 kg/ha + ZA 100 kg/ha + NPK 275 kg/ha obtained the highest yield of sweet corn cobs of 22.35 t/ha.

Study of the efficiency N, P, and K fertilizer application to increase yield of sweet corn on inceptisol

Inceptisols, Oxisols, Vertisols, and Andisols are the main agricultural soils in Indonesia because they have a very wide distribution, Inceptisols 70.52 million ha (37.5%), Oxisols 14.11 million ha (7.5%), Vertisol 2.12 million ha (1.1 %), and Andisol 5.40 million ha (2.9%) most of which are paddy fields. Sweet corn is planted in paddy fields at the second or third planting times after paddy. Farmers generally use inorganic fertilizers that only contain macro nutrients N, P, and K and often do not add Granulated Organic Fertilizers (GOF) which also contains micronutrients. The aim of the study was to determine the efficiency of N, P, and K fertilizers added with the right dose of GOF. The study was conducted in Malang at 2019 with 9 combination treatments of N, P, K fertilizer and GOF, repeated 3 times. The data obtained were analyzed for using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and continued with DMRT at α= 5%. The results showed that GOF are effectively combined with inorganic fertilizers and can increase agronomic levels by up to 25%. The use of 350 kg/ha-1 Urea+ 125 kg/ha-1 SP-36 + 125 kg/ha-1 KCl combined with GOF 2.500 kg/ha-1 could produce the highest harvest weight reaching 15.48 ton/ha-1.

GROWTH AND YIELD OF SWEET CORN (ZEA MAYS SACCHARATA) AT VARIOUS NPK FERTILIZER DOSES AND LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZER CONCENTRATIONS

Background:The aim of this research was to obtain thebest concentration of liquid organic fertilizer at each dose of NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of sweet corn. Methodology:This research was conducted at the Academic Garden, Agriculture Faculty, Tadulako University from August to November 2021.The first factor was the NPK dose consisting of 3 levels, i.e., 200 kg ha-1, 300 kg ha-1, and 400 kg ha-1. The second factor was the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer consisting of 3 levels, i.e.,without POC, 10% POC, and 20% POC. There were 9 combinations of treatments with 3 tests. The data were analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), then followed by the 5% level. Results : The results showed that 20% POC administration resulted in a larger cob at each dose of NPK. The administration of 400 kg ha-1NPK resulted in a larger cob at each POC concentration. Feeding of 400 kg ha-1NPK achieved better growth and yield characterized by higher plants, larger stems, longer and heavier cobs. Conclusion : The result showed that 20% liquid organic fertilizers obtained better results characterized by longer and heavier cobs.

Nanotechnology for dryland agriculture water saving: Biodegradable hydrogel application in sweet corn (Zea mays saccharate Sturt) productio

This work aimed to determine the effect of biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogel based on cellulose derivatives on the growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) on dry land. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD). The applied treatments consisted of four levels of hydrogel: without
 hydrogel (control), 2, 4, and 6 g per plant, respectively. Each treatment was repeated six times in this experiment, yielding a total of 24 experimental pots. Each experiment pot contained 3 plants, thus all 72 plants. The results showed that the hydrogel would significantly increase soil moisture, relative water content, growth of the plant height, stem diameter, and ear cobs without corn husk. Likewise, on the length of the ear without ear cobs and wet ear weights without corn husk. As the hydrogel preserves soil moisture, allowing water to be available for the plant, it might also temporarily store soil from the water and gradually remove it into the soil. Further investigations should be performed to completely characterize the interaction between the superabsorbent hydrogel and the dry land soil.

Response of leaf nutrients, yield, growth parameters, and evapotranspiration of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata Sturt) to shallow and saline groundwater depths

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to assess the effects of main and interactive groundwater salinities (GWS) (GWS1:0.38, GWS2: 5.0, and GWS3: 10 dS m−1) and groundwater depths (GWD) (GWD1: 0.30, GWD2: 0.55, and GWD3: 0.80 m) on yield and growth parameters of sweet corn. The canned seed yield in the GWS2 and GWS3 treatments reduced by 21.97% and 54.87%, respectively, as compared to the GWS1. Increasing GWS from 0.38 to 5.0 and 10.0 dS m−1 decreased aboveground fresh biomass by 16.67 and 37.95%, respectively. The groundwater contribution to ET varied from 26.80% to 87.10%, and capillary rise from groundwater to plant root zone decreased significantly with increasing GWD. The results showed that plant growth was not significantly affected under 0.38 dS m−1 GWS conditions at 0.55 m GWD, while the groundwater contribution to ET was about 52%. Stomata and SPAD values increased by 36.36% and 4.34%, respectively, in GWD3 treatment compared to GWD1 treatment. Besides, GWS decreased the leaf’s K+, K+/Na+, and Ca2+/Na+ ratios at different depths. In conclusion, it can be suggested that GWD should be at least 0.80 m to achieve high sweet corn production in regions with moderately or highly saline groundwater.

Evidence of sweet corn yield losses from rising temperatures

Crop production is sensitive to anomalous weather conditions, but vegetable crops can be highly sensitive to environmental changes. Using sweet corn data collected on 16,040 fields over a 27-year period, we: (a) estimate yield sensitivities to changes in growing season temperature and total precipitation, (b) estimate critical thresholds in non-linear temperature effects on sweet corn yield across diverse environments, and (c) quantify yield losses from surpassing the upper temperature threshold during anthesis in sweet corn. Our results show growing-season temperatures exceeding 30 ^circ{rm C} were detrimental to crop yield. Each additional degree day spent above 30 ^circ{rm C} during anthesis reduced crop yields by 0.5% and 2% in irrigated and rainfed fields, respectively. This study shows evidence for sweet corn yield losses across broad spatial domains in the wake of climate change and underscores the urgency to accelerate crop adaptation strategies to sustain production of this highly popular crop.

Pemanfaatan Pupuk Guano dalam Sistem Pertanian Berkelanjutan dan Dampaknya pada Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Jagung Manis (Zea mays saccharata L)

Guano can be used as an organic fertilizer in anticipating fertilizer shortages. This study aims to obtain the right dose of guano for the growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L). The method used in this study was a single-factor randomized block design, consisting of 4 treatments of doses of guano fertilizer and 4 replications. Fertilizer dosage treatments were: g0 = no guano, g1 = 3 tons guano/ha, g2 = 5 tons guano/ha, g3 = 7 tons guano/ha. Observation parameters consisted of plant height (cm), the number of leaves (strand), the diameter of the stem (cm), the diameter of the ear (cm), the length of the ear (cm), and the weight of fruit/bed (kg). The results showed that the use of guano at a dose of 7 tons/ha was the best dose for plant height, the number of leaves, ear diameter, stem diameter, and cob weight. It was concluded that guano could increase the growth and yield of sweet corn.
 
 Keywords: corn, guano, organic fertilizer

Application of Bioamelioran with Local Raw Materials to The Yield of Some Varieties Sweet Corn

Application of Bioamelioran with Local Raw Materials to The Yield of Some Varieties Sweet Corn

Effect of Organic Manures and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2021-22 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Niani Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice on the basis of one year experimentation. The treatments consisted of FYM 18 t/ha, Poultry manure 3 t/ha Vermicompost 3 t/ha and three levels of spacing i.e.: 40 cm×25 cm, 50 cm×25 cm, 60 cm×25 cm. The results showed that treatment-6 (Poultry manure 3 t/ha + 60 cm x 25 cm) was recorded significantly higher plant height (176.59 cm), maximum number of leaves/plant (14.37) and higher plant dry weight (144.03 g/plant). Whereas the maximum number of cobs/Plant (2.60), maximum cob length (16.57 cm), maximum girth of cob/plant (15.37), maximum cob weight with husk (323.90 g), maximum cob weight without husk (252.10 g), higher cob yield with husk (13.15 t/ha), higher cob yield without husk (8.51 t/ha).

Physiological and Molecular Characteristics of Southern Leaf Blight Resistance in Sweet Corn Inbred Lines

Southern corn leaf blight is one of the most widespread foliar diseases in maize-producing areas worldwide and can seriously reduce the yield and quality of sweet corn. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease in sweet corn have not been widely reported. In this study, two sweet corn inbred lines, resistant K13 (RK13) and susceptible K39 (SK39), were used to explore the disease resistance mechanism of southern leaf blight. We observed morphological characteristics and assessed the changes in protective enzymatic activity in sweet corn leaves after inoculation of C. heterostrophus. RNA-seq was performed to elucidate the transcriptional dynamics and reveal the key pathways involved in southern leaf blight resistance without pathogens (Mock) and at 1 and 3 days post inoculation (1 and 3 dpi). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the SK39 group (including three pairwise combinations: SK39−0d_vs_SK39−1d, SK39−1d_vs_SK39−3d and SK39−1d_vs_SK39−3d), the RK13 group (including three pairwise combinations: RK13−0d_vs_RK13−1d, RK13−1d_vs_RK13−3d and RK13−1d_vs_RK13−3d), and the SK39_vs_RK13 group (including three pairwise combinations: SK39−0d_vs_RK13−0d, SK39−1d_vs_RK13−1d, and SK39−3d_vs_RK13−3d). In our study, 9455 DEGs from the RK13 group, 9626 from the SK39 group, and 9051 DEGs from the SK39_vs_RK13 group were obtained. Furthermore, 2775, 163, and 185 DEGs were co-expressed at SK39_vs_RK13, RK13, and SK39, respectively. A functional analysis of the DEGs revealed that five pathways—i.e., photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites—and transcription factor families play crucial roles in disease resistance. The results from the present study enabled the identification of the JA and SA signaling pathways, which are potentially involved in the response to southern leaf blight in maize. Our findings also highlight the significance of ZIM transcription factors and pathogenesis-related (PR) genes during pathogen infection. This study preliminarily explored the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between sweet corn and C. heterostrophus and provides a reference for identifying southern leaf blight resistance genes in the future.

Sweet corn plant growth and yield as influenced by plastic film mulch color

ABSTRACT Although plastic mulches are widely used in vegetable production, there is limited information on the production of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata) on plastic mulch. The objective of the work was to determine effects of colored mulches on sweet corn plant growth and ear yield. The study was conducted in Tifton, GA, during the 2011 fall and 2014 spring seasons. Colored plastic mulches evaluated were black, blue, gray (gray-on-black), red, silver (silver-on-black), and white (white-on-black). Root zone temperature (RZT) was measured by determining soil temperature midway between plants at 10 cm soil depth. In the fall and spring seasons, black, blue, gray, and red mulches provided more soil warming than silver and white mulches. In the fall, plants were tallest on plastic mulches that retained the least heat in the soil, i.e., silver and white mulches had the lowest RZTs. In the spring, plants were shortest on silver mulch. In the fall, marketable and total yields and sweet corn ear weight were highest on silver and white mulches and lowest on black, blue, and red mulches. Plant height and marketable yield decreased with increasing RZTs (during the first 42 DAP) above 26°C. In the fall, reduced plant height and yield in black, blue, and red mulches were probably because of supra-optimal RZTs. There were no differences in corn ear yields in the spring among plastic mulch treatments. The impact of colored plastic mulches on plant growth and sweet corn yield varied by season and was associated with RZTs under colored plastic mulches.