Investigation of morphological traits and yield of maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) under the influence of humic acid application

Heshmat Omidi | A Shahryari

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URL :   http://research.shahed.ac.ir/WSR/WebPages/Report/PaperView.aspx?PaperID=137134
Date :  2020/09/05
Publish in :    اکوفيزيولوژي گياهي

Link :  http://www.jpec.ir/article_675357.html
Keywords :Organic fertilizer, grain yield, cereals, biological yield, harvest index

Abstract :

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Abstract In order to evaluate the effect of humic acid on morphological and yield traits of maize hybrids, a split plot experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at Research Farm of Shahed University located in south of Tehran during 2016 and 2017. The studied factors consisted of three maize hybrids (704, As72, and DKC) in the main plots and humic acid in two levels (application and non-application) in the subplots. The results showed the highest number of leaves was found in 704 hybrid (13.6 per plant) and the lowest in the other two hybrids. The highest number of grains per ear was achieved in the application of humic acid under second year of experiment with an average of 802.62 number, which was 16.02 higher than to the non-application treatment. 704 hybrid had the highest 1000-grain weight in the both year of experiment and DKC hybrid in the second year of experiment had the highest 1000-grain weight with an average of 154.7, 14.5, and 159.6 g, respectively. The highest grain yield was obtained in DKC hybrid under second year of experiment with an average of 17148.3 kg/ha. The use of humic acid resulted in an increase of 11.93 in the grain yield compared to the control (no application). The highest biological yield was observed in the application and non-application of humic acid in DKC hybrid under second year of experiment with an average of 38088 and 36927 kg/ha, respectively. The application of humic acid increased the harvest index. Grain yield had positive and significant correlation with grain number per ear, 1000-grain weight, and biological yield. The regression model showed that cumulatively the coefficient of detection of the fitted model was 96.20 of the variation of grain yield by stem diameter, number of seeds per ear, and number of seeds per row were justified. In general, the findings of the present study showed that DKC hybrid had higher average growth and yield traits under humic acid application conditions than other hybrids and is recommended for cultivation in the area.