Yield of several maize varieties under two dosages of urea and several defoliation times of leaf under ear

Abstract

This study aimed to study the effect of several maize varieties, urea fertilizer, defoliation of leaf under ear, and interaction between them on growth and yield of maize. An experiment was conducted in Experimental Farm of STPP Gowa in Borongloe-Bontomarannu, from April to July 2006. It was arranged in a split-split plot design in block. Main plots were maize varieties consisted of Agricorn, Bisi-2 and C-7. Subplot was urea dosage consisting of two levels: 250 and 350 kg ha-1. And sub-subplot was defoliation time, consisting of three levels, namely without defoliation, defoliation at pollination and defoliation at two weeks after pollination. Results showed that Agricorn responded better upon urea fertilization and defoliation time. Urea dosage of 350 kg ha-1 affected better growth and yield. Defoliation at pollination was more effective in increasing quality and quantity of yield rather than that after pollination.