Response of Recycled Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)
to Different Levels of Nitrogen Application
Mary Grace P. Sola1, Joveno S. Lales2*, Gregorio M. Villegas2, and Alain L. Tagle2
1Allied Botanical Assurance, No. 15 21st Avenue, Tagumpay, Cubao, Quezon City
2Department of Agronomy, UP Los Baños College, Los Baños, Laguna
corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABSTRACT
Regular usage of hybrid maize seeds places a heavy burden to poor farmers because of their comparatively higher prices compared to that of open pollinated varieties. Hence, they resort to hybrid seed recycling. C-818, a maize hybrid, which is widely grown in the country, was recycled to produce four segregating generations (F2ŠF5) for simultaneous nitrogen response evaluation. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of three levels of nitrogen application in mitigating yield depression associated with seed recycling. The experiment was conducted under field conditions using two-factor factorial arrangement in RCBD with four replications. The F, generation of C-818 and an improved open pollinated variety, USM 5, were used as check. Each plot was 3 meters wide and 5 meters long with four rows spaced 75 cm apart. The soil in the experimental site is clay loam, slightly acidic (pH 6.3) and has low nitrogen content (0.12%).
INTRODUCTION
Sufficiency level for maize based on local production for the past 20 years has been almost consistently below 100% (BAS 2001). The trend has been declining for the past 10 years starting from 97% in 1991 to 82% in 2000. Of the four major consumers, the feed industry is the heaviest user accounting for 56.1% of the total requirement in 1991 and increased to 66.3% in 2000. . . . . .
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