Effect of sowing date and NPK fertilizer rate on yield and yield components of quality protein maize ( Zea mays L. )

摘要

Two field trials were conducted in 1998 and 1999 wet seasons to determine the effect of three dates of planting (10,20 and 30 June) and four NPK levels (0:0:0, 120:18:33, 150:26:50 and 180:35:66 kg NPK/ha) on the yield and yield components (number of grains/cob, 100-grain weight, cob weight/plant, cob weight/ha, grain weight/plant and grain weight/ha) of quality protein maize. Yield and yield components data were computed from the net plots. Sowing on 30th June produced significantly lower number of grain/cob; cob yield/plant; cob yield/ha; 100-grain weight; grain yield/plant and grain yield/ha than the earlier sowing dates. There was no significant difference in yield and yield parameters between 10th and 20th June sowing dates. The application of 150:26:50 kg NPK/ha gave significantly higher number of grains/cob in both years, 100-grain weight in 1998 and grain yield/ha in 1999. However, cob weight/plant; cob yield/ha and grain weight/plant in 150:26:50 kg NPK/ha were significantly higher than the other rates except 180:35:66 in both years. Early sowing (June 10) and 150:26:50 kg NPK/ha were the best sowing date and fertilizer rate for growth and yield of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) variety GH110 - 5 in Northern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria.