GRAIN FILLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THREE MAIZE (Zea mays) VARIETIES (HYBRID, COMPOSITE AND LOCAL/LANDRACE) UNDER DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER

This title was not presented at the conference.

Abstract

This title was not presented at the conference. 

Grain filling is an important stage in maize growth involving the process by which the developing kernel matures, accumulates dry matter, and absorbs nutrients from the parent plant. It begins after fertilization and persists until maturity. It entails rapid cell division, elongation, and the distribution of starch, proteins, and nutrients.  This process heavily influences final grain weight, and the speed and duration of this process exert profound influence over both yield and quality. Keeping in view this fact, research was set on the grain filling characteristics of three maize varieties—hybrid, composite, and local/landrace varieties—under various levels of nitrogen fertilizer. The study adopts a sprit-plot-randomized complete block design at Lewikopo Teaching Farm, IPB University. Treatments comprised  factorial combinations of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer ( 0kg ha^-1 Urea, 100 kg ^ha-1 Urea, 300 kg ha^-1 urea, and 400 kg ha-1 urea) randomly  applied  on the main plots, and three  types of maize varieties  were randomly assigned on the sub-plots, with three replications. Each sub-plot measured  4m by 4m with five rows and 80 plants, spaced at 80cm by 25cm. Half dose of nitrogen, 50 kg ha^-1 SP-36(36%) and 50 Kg ha ^-1 KCL (60%) was applied during sowing, and the remaining half dose of nitrogen was applied after the plant reached the knee-height growth stage. The anticipated results include significant insights into the nitrogen fertilizer levels on grain filling duration, rates, yield, and the morphological and physiological traits influencing the process. The study aims to examine the substantial differences in grain filling among three maize varieties, shedding light on the complex relationship between nitrogen application and grain development. This research intends to provide valuable   guidance for farmers, researchers, potentially enhancing food security through optimized maize cultivation practices.