Yield and yield attributes of maize (Zea mays L.) as affected by detasseling and potassium fertilization
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Abstract
Maize yield is low due to inadequate use of fertilizers and management practices in Pakistan. A field trial was carried out on potassium application and detassleing at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, in 2015. The objectives were to find out the effect of six potassium levels (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kg ha-1) and three detasseling stages (Tassel not removed, Detasseling at complete pollen shedding stage and Detasseling at complete post dried silking stage) on maize yielding attributes. The research was designed through randomized complete block design RCBD with split plot arrangements replicated four times. Detasseling at complete pollen shedding stage produced significantly higher 1000 grains weight (242 g), grain yield (3850 kg ha-1) and biological yield (10672 kg ha-1). Potassium fertilization at the rate of 75 kg ha-1 produce higher number of ears m-2 (6.60), number of grains ear-1 (325), 1000 grains weight (250 g), grain yield (4101 kg ha-1) and biological yield (11207 kg ha-1). The interactive effect of detasseling and potassium were found significant only for grain yield. According to the result detasseling at complete pollen shedding stage and potassium at 75 kg ha-1 were best than others in relations to yield and yield attributes of maize.
Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.); Potassium; Detasseling; Yield and yield components