Influence of foliar urea on the phenology, growth and yield of maize applied at various growth stages
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Abstract
Field trials were carried out for three consecutive years to investigate the influence of foliar urea on maize (Zea mays L.) applied at different growth stages at the Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan during 2014–16. The experiment was conducted in RCBD with split plot arrangement using four urea levels (N1 = 0, N2 = 3, N3 = 5 and N4 = 7% urea) assigned to main plots and six application timings [AS1 = V7, AS2 =V10, AS3 = R1 Silking, AS4 = V7+V10 (foliar urea applied at both stages), AS5 = V7+R1 and AS6 = V10+R1] allotted to subplots. Phenological characteristics of maize (tasseling, silking, and maturity) were significantly delayed with foliar urea spray @ 7% and when applied at both V7+V10 stages respectively. Earlier days to tasseling, silking, and maturity were recorded in foliar urea control plots and with foliar urea application when sprayed only at R1 stage. Leaf area, plant height, cob length, grains cob-1, 1000 grain weight, stover and grain yields were significantly improved with 7% urea application. Maize growth and yield were significantly enhanced when foliar urea was applied at both V7+V10 stages respectively. It is concluded that urea foliar feeding @ 7% when applied at both V7+V10 stages enhanced and prolonged vegetative growth period of maize and resulted in increased grain yield and yield components of maize.
Keywords: Maize; Foliar urea; Application stage; Growth; Yield and yield components