Boron fertilization improves quality and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)
Rana Nauman Shabbir, Shabir Hussain, Hakoomat Ali, Ahsan Areeb, Muhammad Irfan, Zeeshan Ahmed, Shakeel Ahmad, Saadullah Manzoor
Abstract
Boron deficiency drastically affects the yield and quality of many crops especially maize. The low availability of boron in soils is one of the major causes of poor quality and low yield of maize in Pakistan. A wirehouse experiment was carried out at Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad to optimize the dose of boron to increase quality and yield of maize. Two recommended local maize hybrids Monsanto-919 and Monsanto-5219 were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangements. The Boron was applied as borax @ 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5 kg ha¯¹ at tasseling stage. Although both hybrids showed non-significant differences in yield attributes exogenous boron supply @ 0.6 kg boron ha¯¹ increased grain yield by 27% as compared to control treatment in both the hybrids. It increased grain oil, protein and starch contents by 10%, 12% and 16% respectively.