Influence of Mixed Formulation of Biostimulants on Productivity and Profitability of Sweet Corn

Abstract

Sweet corn is a high-value maize crop cultivated for its tender green cobs, superior taste, and nutritional richness. Increasing demand from consumers and the processing industry has emphasized the need for strategies that enhance crop productivity and farm profitability. In this context, biostimulants have emerged as promising inputs that can improve plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, thereby contributing to higher yields and better economic returns in sweet corn cultivation. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2025 at the College Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences, Malla Reddy University, to evaluate the influence of a novel mixed biostimulant formulation on the agronomic performance of sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and seven treatments. The treatments comprised foliar application of a mixed biostimulant formulation @ 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mL L⁻¹ in water, along with the 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and an untreated control. The results revealed that foliar application of the mixed biostimulant formulation @ 5 mL L⁻¹ significantly enhanced growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area index, and dry matter production, compared to the control and other treatments. The same treatment also recorded significantly higher cob yield (165.3 q ha⁻¹), representing a 15.35% increase over 100% RDF and a 49.30% increase over the control, along with higher stover yield and economic returns. Furthermore, the treatment recorded the highest benefit:cost (B:C) ratio of 2.44, indicating its economic viability. Therefore, foliar application of the mixed biostimulant formulation @ 5 mL L⁻¹ was effective in improving sweet corn productivity and profitability.