Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Foliar Application of Chitosan Improves Growth and Yield in Maize

M. Monjurul Alam Mondal, PhD
Principal Scientific Officer
Crop Physiology Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, BAU Campus, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Dr. A. H. M. Razzaque
Chief Chientific Officer
Crop Physiology Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, BAU Campus, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Dr. N. C. Dafader
Chief Chientific Officer
Bangladesh Atomic energy commision, Savar, Dhaka

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Two field experiments were conducted during the period from December to April, 2010-11 and 2011-12, to investigate the effect of foliar application of chitosan (a growth promoter), on morphological, growth, yield attributes and seed yield of maize plants. The experiment comprised five levels of chitosan concentrations viz., 0 (control), 50, 75, 100 and 125 ppm. The chitosan was sprayed three times of 35, 50 and 65 days after sowing. Results revealed that foliar application of chitosan at early growth stages improved the morphological (plant height, leaf number plant^-1, leaf length and breadth, leaf area plant^-1), physiological (total dry mass plant^-1, absolute growth rate and harvest index) parameters and yield components thereby increased seed yield of maize. The highest seed yield was recorded in 100 and 125 ppm of chitosan in maize. Therefore, foliar application of chitosan at 100 ppm may be used at early growth stage for getting maximum seed yield in maize.

Keywords: Chitosan, Growth, Maize, Yield

Location: Farmer's field, Mymensingh Sadar, Mymensingh

Start Date: 20-12-2010

End Date: 25-04-2012

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Maize

Objectives:

To study the effect of chitosan on morph-physiological features, yield attributes and yield in maize under sub-tropical (24⁰75´ N and 90⁰50´ E) conditions.

Methodology:

The two experiments were carried out under sub-tropical condition during the two successive seasons (December-April) of 2010-11 and 2011-12. Five concentrations of chitosan viz., 0, 50, 75, 100, and 125 ppm were applied three times at 35, 50 and 65 days after sowing (DAS). The chitosan was sprayed by a hand sprayer at afternoon. Foliar applications were carried out until run off the solution. The recently released high protein content maize variety, quality protein maize-1 (QPM-1) was used as test crop. The unit plot size was 6 m × 4 m. The row to row and plant to plant distances were 70 cm and 30 cm, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. All agricultural practices of cultivation were performed as recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh. To study ontogenetic growth characteristics, a total of four harvests were made in 2011-12. The second and third rows of each plot were used for sampling. The first crop sampling was done at 80 DAS and continued at an interval of ten days up to 110 DAS i.e. before attaining physiological maturity. From each sampling, five plants were randomly selected from each plot and uprooted for collecting necessary parameters. The plants were separated into roots, stems, leaves and cobs, and the corresponding dry weight were recorded after oven drying at 80 ± 2⁰C for 72 hours. The leaf area was measured by automatic leaf area meter. The growth analysis like absolute growth rate was carried out following the formula of Hunt (1978). During harvest the leaf area, yield and yield components, dry matter production and it’s partitioning into plant parts were recorded. The collected data were analyzed by randomized complete block design using the statistical computer package programme, Microsoft Statistical Data Management Package.

Source of Information: Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, 11 (2): 520-523. (2013)

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Foliar application of chitosan at vegetative stage enhances plant growth and development which resulted increased seed yield in maize. Among the concentrations, 100 and 125 ppm had superiority for plant growth, yield components and seed yield over 50 and 75 ppm. Application of 125 ppm is more costly than 100 ppm chitosan. Therefore, application of chitosan @ 100 ppm may be recommended for maize cultivation after few more field trials.

Knowledge Management: Journal