Genetic and Agronomic Parameter Estimates of Growth, Yield and Related Traits of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) under Different Rates of Nitrogen Fertilization — Oak Academic Publishing
Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Genetic and Agronomic Parameter Estimates of Growth, Yield and Related Traits of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) under Different Rates of Nitrogen Fertilization
Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), Freetown, Sierra Leone
,
School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
,
School of Natural Resources Management, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
,
School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
,
Department of Agro Biotechnology, Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
,
School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
,
School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
,
School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
,
School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
,
Faculty of Development Agriculture & Natural Resources Management, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, Kenema, Sierra Leone
1 Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), Freetown, Sierra Leone
2 School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
3 School of Natural Resources Management, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
4 School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
5 Department of Agro Biotechnology, Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
6 School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
7 School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
8 School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
9 School of Agriculture, Njala University, Njala Campus, Njala, Sierra Leone
10 Faculty of Development Agriculture & Natural Resources Management, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, Kenema, Sierra Leone
This study evaluated the genetic and agronomic parameter estimates of maize under different nitrogen rates. The trial was established at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre experimental site during 2021 and 2022 in a split block design with three maize varieties (IWCD2, 2009EVDT, and DMR-ESR-Yellow) and seven nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) rates. Findings showed that cob diameter and anthesis silking time (ASI) had intermediate heritability, ASI had high genetic advance, ASI and grain yield had high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), while traits with high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were plant height, ASI, grain yield, number of kernel per cob, number of kernel rows, ear length, and ear height. The PCV values were higher than GCV, indicating the influence of the environment in the studied traits. Nitrogen rates and variety significantly (p < 0.05) influenced grain yield production. Mean grain yields and economic parameter estimates increased with increasing nitrogen rates, with the 30 and 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> plots exhibiting the lowest and highest grain yields of 1238 kg∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> and 2098 kg∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>, respectively. Variety and nitrogen effects on partial factor productivity (PFP<sub>N</sub>), agronomic efficiency (AEN), net returns (NR), value cost ratio (VCR) and marginal return (MR) indicated that these parameters were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by these factors. The highest PFP<sub>N</sub> (41.3 kg grain kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>∙N) and AEN (29.4 kg grain kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>∙N) were obtained in the 30 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> plots, while the highest VCR (2.8) and MR (SLL 1.8 SLL<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> spent on N) were obtained in the 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>. The significant influence of variety and nitrogen on traits suggests that increasing yields and maximizing profits require use of appropriate nitrogen fertilization and improved farming practices that could be exploited for increased productivity of maize.
KeywordsNitrogen RatesGenetic and Agronomic EstimatesIntroduced GenotypesGrain Yield<i>
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2005) Current World Fertilizer Trends and Outlook. Special Report, Rome.
Turi, N.A., Shah, S.S., Ali, S., Rahman, H., Ali, T. and Sajjad, M. (2007) Genetic Variability for Yield Parameters in Maize ( Zea mays L.) Genotypes. Journal of Agr i culture and Biological Sciences , 2, 1-3.
Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) (2011) Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute, Operational Plan, 2012-2016. 146.
Abebe, Z. and Feyisa, H. (2017) Effects of Nitrogen Rates and Time of Application on Yield of Maize: Rainfall Variability Influenced Time of N Application. Intern a tional Journal of Agronomy , 2017, Article ID: 1545280. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1545280
Adu, G.B., Alidu, H., Amegbor, I.K., Abdulai, M.S., Nutsugah, S.K., Obeng-Antwi, K., Kanton, R.A.L., Buah, S.S., Kombiok, M.J., Abdulai, M. and Etwire, P.M. (2018) Performance of Maize Populations under Different Nitrogen Rates in Northern Ghana. Annals of Agricultural Sciences , 63, 145-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aoas.2018.10.001
Barrie, A.U., Norman, P.E. and George, M. (2022) Genetic Parameter Estimates and Diversity Studies of Upland Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes Using Agro-Morphological Markers. International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research , 20, 11-23.
Johnson, H.W., Robinson, H.F. and Comstock, R.E. (1955) Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlations in Soybeans and Their Implications in Selection. Agronomy Jou r nal , 47, 477-483. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1955.00021962004700100008x
Nduwumuremyi, A., Tongoona, P. and Habimana, S. (2013) Mating Designs: Helpful Tool for Quantitative Plant Breeding Analysis. Journal of Plant Breeding and G e netics , 1, 117-129.
Adhikary, B.H., Baral, B.R. and Shrestha, J. (2020) Productivity of Winter Maize as Affected by Varieties and Fertilizer Levels. International Journal of Applied Biology , 4, 85-93. https://doi.org/10.20956/ijab.v4i1.10192
Ibrahim, K., Wang, Q., Wang, L., Zhang, W., Peng, C. and Zhang, S. (2021) Determining the Optimum Level of Soil Olsen Phosphorus and Phosphorus Fertilizer Application for High Phosphorus-Use Efficiency in Zea mays L. in Black Soil. Su s tainability , 13, Article 5983. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115983
Woli, K.P., Sawyer, J.E., Boyer, M.J., Abendroth, L.J. and Elmore, R.W. (2018) Corn Era Hybrid Macronutrient and Dry Matter Accumulation in Plant Components. Agronomy Journal , 110, 1648-1658. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2018.01.0025
Zea mays<
/i>
Brankov, M., Simić, M., Dolijanović, Ž., Rajković, M., Mandić, V. and Dragičević, V. (2020) The Response of Maize Lines to Foliar Fertilizing. Agriculture , 10, Article 365. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10090365
Ray, K., Banerjee, H., Dutta, S., Sarkar, S., Murrell, T.S., Singh, V.K. and Majumdar, K. (2020) Macronutrient Management Effects on Nutrient Accumulation, Partitioning, Remobilization, and Yield of Hybrid Maize Cultivars. Frontiers of Plant Science , 11, Article 1307. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.01307
Bationo, A., Hartemink, A., Lungu, O., Naimi, M., Okoth, P., Smaling, E. and Thiombiano, L. (2006) African Soils: Their Productivity and Profitability for Fertilizer Use. Background Paper Prepared, African Fertilizer Submit, Abuja.
Garcia, M.M., Pereira, L.C., Braccini, A L., Angelotti, P., Suzukawa, A.K., Marteli, D.C., Felber, P.H., Bianchessi, P.A. and Dametto, I.B. (2017) Effects of Azospirillum brasilense on Growth and Yield Compounds of Maize Grown at Nitrogen Limiting Conditions. Revista de Ciências Agrárias , 40, 353-362. https://doi.org/10.19084/RCA16101
Wei, S., Wang, X., Li, G., Qin, Y., Jiang, D. and Dong, S.T. (2019) Plant Density and Nitrogen Supply Affect the Grain-Filling Parameters of Maize Kernels Located in Different Ear Positions. Frontiers in Plant Science , 10, Article 180. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.00180
Sinyolo, S., Mudhara, M. and Wale, E. (2017) The Impact of Social Grant Dependency on Smallholder Maize Producers’ Market Participation in South Africa: Application of the Double-Hurdle Model. South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences , 20, a1474. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajems.v20i1.1474
Snapp, S.S., Grabowski, P., Chikowo, R., Smith, A.A., Anders, E., Sirrine, D., Chimonyo, V. and Bekunda, M. (2018) Maize Yield and Profitability Tradeoffs with Social, Human and Environmental Performance: Is Sustainable Intensification Feasible? Agricultural Systems , 162, 77-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2018.01.012
Tröster, M.F. and Sauer, J. (2022) Characteristics of Cost-Efficient Fertilization Plans at the Farm Level. NJAS : Impact in Agricultural and Life Sciences , 94, 184-216. https://doi.org/10.1080/27685241.2022.2147869
Sá, J.C.M., Lal, R., Cerri, C.C., Lorenz, K., Hungria, M. and Carvalho, P.C.F. (2017) Low-Carbon Agriculture in South America to Mitigate Global Climate Change and Advance Food Security. Environment International , 98, 102-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2016.10.020
Dartora, J., Guimarães, V. F., Marini, D. and Sander, G. (2013) Adubação nitrogenada associada à inoculação com Azospirillum brasilense e Herbaspirillum seropedicae na cultura do milho. Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental , 17, 1023-1029. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1415-43662013001000001
Khan, A., Jan, M.T., Marwat, K.B. and Arif, M. (2009) Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen Treatments Effects on Plant and Yield Attributes of Maize in a Different Tillage systems. Pakistan Journal of Botany , 41, 99-108.
Khan, M.R. and Doohan, F.M. (2009) Bacterium-Mediated Control of Fusarium Head Blight Disease of Wheat and Barley and Associated Mycotoxin Contamination of Grain. Biological Control , 48, 42-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2008.08.015
Simpson, C.E. and Starr, J.L. (2001) Registration of ‘COAN’ Peanut. Crop Science , 41, 918. https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2001.413918x
Bhanja, S.K., Mandal, A.B., Agarwal, S.K. and Majumdar, S. (2012) Modulation of Post-Hatch Growth and Immuno-Competence through in ovo Injection of Limiting Amino Acids in Broiler Chickens. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences , 92, 993-998. https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v82i9.23652
Peng, Y.F., Niu, J.F., Peng, Z.P., Zhang, F.S. and Li, C.J. (2010) Shoot Growth Potential Drives N Uptake in Maize Plants and Correlates with Root Growth in the Soil. Field Crops Research , 115, 85-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2009.10.006
Cui, Z.L., Yue, S.C., Wang, G.L., Meng, Q.F., Wu, L., Yang, Z.P., Zhang, Q., Li, S.Q., Zhan, F.S. and Chen, X.C. (2013) Closing the Yield Gap Could Reduce Projected Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Case Study of Maize Production in China. Global Change Biology , 19, 2467-2477. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12213
Cui, Z.L., Zhang, F.S., Chen, X.P., Miao, Y.X., Li, J.L. and Shi, L.W. (2008) On-Farm Evaluation of in-Season Nitrogen Management Strategy Based on Soil N min Test. Field Crops Research , 105, 48-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2007.07.008
Chen, X.C., Chen, F.J., Gao, Q., Yang, X.L., Yuan, L.X., Zhang, F.S. and Mi, G.H. (2013) Modern Maize Hybrids in Northeast China Exhibit Increased Yield Potential and Resource Use Efficiency Despite Adverse Climate Change. Global Change B i ology , 19, 923-936. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12093
Zhang, Y.L., Fan, J.B., Duan, Y.H., Wang, D.S., Ye, L.T. and Shen, Q.R. (2008) The Differences and Evaluation of the Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency of Different Rice Genotypes. Acta PedologicaSinica , 45, 267-272.
Tang, Y.L., Yu, L.L., Guan, A.M., Zhou, X.Y., Wang, Z.G., Gou, Y.G. and Wang, J.W. (2017) Soil Mineral Nitrogen and Yield-Scaled Soil N 2 O Emissions Lowered by Reducing Nitrogen Application and Intercropping with Soybean for Sweet Maize Production in Southern China. Journal of Integrative Agriculture , 16, 2586-2596. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-3119(17)61672-1
Yong, T.W., Chen, P., Dong, Q., Du, Q., Yan, F., Wang, X.C., Liu, W.G. and Yang, W.Y. (2018) Optimized Nitrogen Application Methods to Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Nodule Nitrogen Fixation in a Maize-Soybean Relay Intercropping System. Journal of Integrative Agriculture , 17, 664-667. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-3119(17)61836-7
Giambalvo, D., Ruisi, P., Miceli, G.D., Frenda, A.S. and Amato, G. (2009) Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Nitrogen Fertilizer Recovery of Durum Wheat Genotypes as Affected by Inter Specific Competition. Agronomy Journal , 102, 707-715. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2009.0380
Alvarez, R. and Grigera, S. (2005) Analysis of Soil Fertility and Management Effects on Yields of Wheat and Corn in the Rolling Pampa of Argentina. Journal of Agron o my and Crop Sciences , 191, 321-329. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-037X.2005.00143.x
Witt, C., Pasuquin, J.M.C.A. and Doberman, A. (2008) Site—Specific Nutrients Managements for Maize in Favorable Tropical Environments of Saia. Proceedings of 5th International Crop Science , Jeju, April 13-18 2008, 1-4.
Mi, G.H., Chen, F.J., Wu, Q.P., Lai, N.W., Yuan, L.X. and Zhang, F.S. (2010) Ideotype Root Architecture for Efficient Nitrogen Acquisition by Maize in Intensive Cropping Systems. Science China Life Sciences , 53, 1369-1373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-010-4097-y
Gaige, A.R., Rowe, B. and Jurin, V. (2020) Assessment of Efficiency of Nutrient Uptake of Different Sources of Zn, Mn, Cu and B in Zea mays . Agriculture , 10, Article 247. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10060247
Abbott, P. (2012) Stabilization Policies in Developing Countries after the 2007-08 Food Crisis. Agricultural Policies for Poverty Reduction, CABI, 109-168. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781780641058.0109
Amara, D.M.K., Sawyerr, P.A., Saidu, D.H., Vonu, O.S., Musa, R.M., Mboma, J.C.A., Kamanda, P.J. and Sannoh, M.A. (2022) Studies on the Genesis of Soils in Jong River Basin in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. Open Journal of Geol o gy , 12, 273-293. https://www.scirp.org/journal/ojg https://doi.org/10.4236/ojg.2022.123015
Odell, R.T. (1974) Characteristics, Classification and Adaptation of Soils in Selected Areas in Sierra Leone, West Africa. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana. https://www.worldcat.org https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.16654
Suluku, R., Jesse, P.J. and Moiforay, S. (2019) Book Chapter on One Health Approach to Control of Brucellosis in Sierra Leone. In: Kaoud, H.A.E., Ed., Bacterial Cattle Diseases , IntechOpen, London, 10 p.
IBPGR (1991) Descriptors for Maize. International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Mexico City/International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, Rome. 88.
Patterson, H.D. and Thompson, R. (1971) Recovery of Inter-Block Information When Block Sizes Are Unequal. Biometrika , 58, 545-554. https://doi.org/10.1093/biomet/58.3.545
Burton, W.G. and Devane, E.H. (1953) Estimating Heritability in Tall Fescue ( Fe s tuca arundinacea ) from Replicated Clonal Material. Agronomy Journal , 45, 478-481. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1953.00021962004500100005x
Deshmukh, S.N.N., Basu, M.S. and Reddy, P.S. (1986) Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Coefficients of Quantitative Traits in Virginia Bunch Varieties of Groundnut. Indian Journal of Agricultural Science , 56, 816-821.
Robinson, H.F., Comstock, R.E. and Harvey, P.H. (1949) Estimates of Heritability and the Degree of Dominance in Corn. Agronomy Journal , 41, 353-359. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1949.00021962004100080005x
Shukla, S., Bhargava, A., Chatterjee, A., Srivastava, J., Singh, N. and Singh, S.P. (2006) Mineral Profile and Variability in Vegetable Amaranth ( Amaranthus tric o lour ). Plant Foods for Human Nutrition , 61, 21-26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-006-0004-x
Yadav, R.L. (2003) Assessing on-Farm Efficiency and Economics of Fertilizer N, P and K in Rice Wheat Systems of India. Field Crops Research , 18, 39-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4290(02)00198-3
Sravani, D., Bharathi, D., Reddi Sekhar, M. and Nirmal Kumar, A.R. (2021) Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Quantitative Traits in Maize ( Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines. The Pharma Innovation Journal , 10, 501-503.
Kharel, R., Ghimire, S.K., Ojha, B.R. and Koirala, K.B. (2017) Estimation of Genetic Parameters, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Different Genotypes of Maize ( Zea mays L.). International Journal of Agriculture Innovation and Research , 6, 2319-1473.
Prakash, R., Ravikesavan, R., Vinodhana, N.K. and Senthil, A. (2019) Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Component Traits in Maize ( Zea mays L.). Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding , 10, 518-524. https://doi.org/10.5958/0975-928X.2019.00065.6
Supraja, V., Sowmya, H. C., Kuchanur, P.H., Arunkumar, B. and Kisan, B. (2019) Genetic Variability and Character Association Studies in Maize ( Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines. International Journal of Microbiology and Applied Sciences , 8, 646-656. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2019.810.073
Singh, A.K., Mishra, S.P. and Parihar, R. (2018) Studies on Genetic Variability Parameters on Grain Yield and Its Yield Attributing Traits in Maize ( Zea mays L.). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences , 7, 1261-1266. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.709.150
Bhadru, D., Swarnalatha, V., Mallaiah, B., Sreelatha, D., Kumar, M.V.N. and Reddy, M.L. (2020) Study of Genetic Variability and Diversity in Maize ( Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines. Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology , 39, 31-39. https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2020/v39i3831093
Lal, K., Kumar, S., Singh, S.K., Singh, M., Singh, H.C. and Singh, Y. (2020) Heritability and Genetic Advance Estimates for Certain Quantitative Traits in Maize ( Zea mays L.). Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry , 9, 571-573. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2020.905.287
Wedwessen, T. and Zeleke, H. (2020) Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Estimates in Maize ( Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines. International Journal of Novel Research in Life Sciences , 7, 10-16.
Shah, P., Khan, A., Rahman, H. and Shah, Z. (2008) Plant Density and Nitrogen Effects on Growth Dynamics, Light Interception and Yield of Maize. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science , 54, 401-411. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340801998623
Ahmad, L. and Mahdi, S.S. (2018) Site-Specific Nutrient Management. In: Ahmad, L. and Mahdi, S.S., Eds., Satellite Farming , Springer, Cham, 97-109. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03448-1_7
Sanchez, P.A. (2019) Properties and Management of Soils in the Tropics. 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 690. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316809785
Singh, S.S. (2004) Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management. 2nd Edition, Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.
Mariga, I.K., Jonga, M. and Chivinge, O.A. (2000) The Effect of Timing of Application of Basal and Topdressing Fertilizers on Maize Yield at Two Rates of Basal Fertilizer. Crop Research Hissar , 20, 372-380.
Gehl, R.J., Schmidt, J.P., Maddux, L.D. and Gordon, W.B. (2005) Corn Yield Response to Nitrogen Rate and Timing in Sandy Irrigated Soils. Agronomy Journal , 97, 1230-1238. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2004.0303
Bhatti, A.U. (2006) Statistical Procedures for Analysis of Agriculture Research Experiments. NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan.