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RESPONSE OF MAIZE VARIETIES TO NITROGEN APPLICATION FOR LEAF AREA PROFILE, CROP GROWTH, YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS

M. AKMAL^*, HAMEED-UR-REHMAN, FARHATULLAH, M. ASIM AND H. AKBAR

Abstract: An experiment was conducted at NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar, to study maize varieties and Nitrogen (N) rates for growth, yield and yield components. Three varieties (Azam, Jalal and Sarhad white) and three N rates (90, 120, 150, kg N ha^-1) were compared. Experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block design; split plot arrangement with 4 replications. Uniform and recommended cultural practices were applied during the crop growth. The results revealed that maize variety ‘Jalal’ performed relatively better crop growth rate (CGR) and leaf area profile (LAP) at nodal position one to six as compared to the other two varieties (Sarhad white and Azam). This resulted higher radiation use efficiency by the crop canopy at vegetative stage of development and hence contributed higher assimilates towards biomass production. Heavier grains in number and weight were due to higher LAP and taller plants of Jalal which yielded higher in the climate. Nitrogen applications have shown that maize seed yield increase in quadratic fashion with increased N to a plateau level. Considering soil fertility status and cropping system, the 150 kg ha^-1 N application to maize variety Jalal in Peshawar is required for maximum biological and seed production.

Department of Agronomy, NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan.

*Corresponding author E-mail: akmal_m@hotmail.com