Response of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) to Levels of Nitrogen and Detasseling

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2020-21 to study the effect of levels of nitrogen and detasseling on yield and economics of baby corn. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications comprising of six main plot treatments (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg N ha-1) and two sub plot treatments (with tassel and without tassel). Application of 160 kg N ha-1 produced 2.22 cobs plant-1, which was statistically similar with application of 200 kg N ha-1 (2.44). Application of 160 kg N ha-1 produced optimum weight (9.23 g cob-1) of dehusked baby corn. Detasseled plots produced in higher number of cobs plant -1(1.69) and heavier dehusked cobs (8.63 g) than the plants having tassel. The optimum yield of baby corn (2072 kg ha-1) was obtained with application of 160 kg N ha-1. Detasseling resulted in 8.4 per cent higher production of dehusked baby corn as compared with plots having tassel. But, the plots with tassel produced 10.3 per cent higher yield of green fodder as compared to the crop without tassel. The highest net return of Rs 155144 ha-1 was obtained from the treatment receiving 160 kg N ha-1. Detasseled plots gave 9.97 per cent higher net profit than the plots with tassel.