Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
MSc. graduate, Department of Production and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
10.22034/plant.2024.141340.1107
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of foliar application of urea fertilizer (UrePhit) during the reproductive growth stage on the yield and grain quality of two corn varieties in the year 2019, conducted in a field in Eslamabad-e-Gharb County. The experiment was carried out as a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experimental factors included two single cross hybrids, 703 and 704, and five levels of UrePhit foliar application (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 L ha-1). The foliar application was performed at the beginning of the reproductive growth stage. The results showed that increasing the nitrogen fertilizer concentration led to an increase in leaf area index, yield components, overall yield, and grain protein percentage and yield. The highest leaf area index, number of grains per ear, grain yield, and grain protein yield were obtained at the concentration of 2 liters per hectare of UrePhit, which showed an increase of 33.6%, 21%, 41%, and 173% respectively compared to the control treatment. In both varieties, foliar application during the reproductive growth stage led to an increase in leaf area index and leaf area duration, enhanced photosynthesis, improved grain yield components, and ultimately increased corn grain yield. The results indicated that the application of 2 liters per hectare of UrePhit not only improved grain yield but also significantly enhanced grain quality.
Keywords
)