Effect of zinc-based nano fertilizer foliar application with varying fertility levels on yield attributes and yield of single cross maize hybrid (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

An experimental field study was carried out during the consecutive kharif seasons of 2020 and 2021 at the Instructional Farm of Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur using single cross maize hybrid. The study encompassed two main factors: the foliar application of nanofertilizer and different fertility levels with three replications. Factor A (Foliar Application of Nanofertilizer) serve the parameters like control receiving water spray, application at the knee-high stage (0.1%), application at the 50 per cent tasseling stage (0.1%), and combined application at both the knee-high and 50 per cent tasseling stages (0.1%) however Factor B represents focusing on fertility levels, included the control, 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 90 per cent RDF, and 80 per cent RDF. Significantly highest grain, stover and biological yield (51.90, 82.32 and 134.21 q ha-1) were recorded with the dual foliar application of nanofertilizer at knee high stage and at 50 per cent tasseling stage over single stage foliar application. Among the different fertility levels, the application of 90 per cent RDF significantly increased grain, stover and biological yield. Yield attributing characters viz., grains cob-1, grain weight cob-1 (g) and 1000 grain weight (g) were significantly higher with the dual foliar application of nanofertilizer at knee high stage and at 50 per cent tasseling stage and application of 90 per cent RDF in maize. Similarly, the significantly highest protein content of maize (11.13% and 10.97%) was found in dual foliar application of nanofertilizer and 90 per cent RDF, respectively. These findings emphasize the importance of strategic nanofertilizer application and optimal RDF levels in enhancing maize yield and protein content.