Original research article
Agronomic Responses of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids of Different Maturity Classes to Variations in Split Proportion of Inorganic Nitrogen in a Derived Savanna
2022, 87 (4) p. 321-330
Olalekan Suleiman Sakariyawo, Paul Abayomi Sobowele SOREMI
Abstract
Field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the effect of split nitrogen (N) application in different proportions on the performance of maize hybrids of different maturity classes in a derived Savanna. Time of inorganic N application (⅓ at planting + ⅔ at anthesis, ⅔ at planting + ⅓ at anthesis) and hybrid maize of three maturity classes [(TZEE129 × TZEE121 (extra-early), TZE126 × TZE127 (early) and Oba super 2 (medium)] constituted the main plot and sub plot respectively in split plot arrangement fitted into randomised complete block design, replicated three times. Leaf area at 6 weeks after planting (WAP), plant height and stem girth at 9 WAP in the year 2017 were in the order Oba Super 2 > TZEE129 × TZEE121 > TZE126 × TZE127. A similar pattern was observed on fresh and dry cob weight, 100 grain weight, except shelling percentage that was significantly higher in other maize hybrids than Oba Super 2. A converse pattern was observed in the year 2018 which translated to significantly higher grain yield in earlier maturing hybrids maize than Oba Super 2. Leaf area at 6 WAP was more in maize hybrids sown when N was applied in the proportion ⅓ at planting + ⅔ anthesis than in ⅔ at planting + ⅓ anthesis in the year 2017. A converse pattern was observed in 2018. These data suggested that variations in the performance of maize hybrids of different maturity classes were mediated by the environment.
Keywords
Days-to-flowering, grain-filling duration, Nitrogen management, SPAD meter reading, split N application
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