Impact of Nitrogen Levels and Tassel Removal on the Growth Parameters and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was performed during the rabi season of 2020-21 at the Agronomy Main Research Farm, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, to evaluate the Impact of nitrogen levels and tassel removal on the growth parameters and yield of Baby corn. The study employed a split-plot design with three replications, featuring six nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 kg N ha-1) as main plot treatments and two detasseling practices (with and without tassel) as subplot treatments. Results indicated that growth parameters were significantly influenced by nitrogen application. The application of 200 kg N ha-1 resulted in superior plant height and dry matter accumulation, although it remained statistically at par with 160 kg N ha-1. Leaf area index (LAI) followed a similar trend, showing maximal values ​​at 200 kg N ha-1, which were comparable to 160 kg N ha-1 and 120 kg N ha-1 at the harvest stage. While detasseling did not significantly affect plant height or LAI, it markedly enhanced overall yield compared to non-detasseled plants. Plants with tassel have higher dry matter accumulation than without tassels. Consequently, the higher yields were recorded with the application of 200 kg N ha-1 and it was at par with 160 kg N ha-1.  Detasseling resulted in greater yields than the plants with tassel.