Abstract

Tests were done to investigate effects of foliar applications in various combinations on maternal corn plants for reserved mineral nutrients and seed yield in a subsequent generation. The experiment was done as a factorial based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during the growing season of 2009 to 2011. Treatments tested in the investigation were as follows: Four growth stages; 8 to 10 leaf, tasseling, seed-filling and at all stages and seven foliar applications of methanol, Zn, B, Mg, N, Mn, a mixture of all combinations and a separate plot as the control. Data analysis showed a significant effect of the combination type of foliar application in different stages on reserves of N, Mg, Zn, Mn, B, and seed yield of a subsequent generation. Detailed results of the study showed that foliar application with a mixture of all combinations in all stages had the highest reserve of N in seeds (1/45%). Results also proved that Mg foliar application at all stages had the highest effect on Mg reserve in seeds (0/172 mg kg^-1) and Zn foliar application at the tasseling stage had the highest effect on reserved Zn of seed (44 mg kg^-1). Results showed that Mn foliar application at the 8 to 10 leaf stage had the highest effect on reserved Mn of seed (12 mg kg^-1) and B foliar application at all stages had the highest effect on reserved B of seed (9/1 mg kg^-1). In conclusion a mixture of all combinations at all stages had the highest (1309 g m^-2) and at the tasseling stage had the lowest (713 g m^-2) seed yield in the subsequent generation.

Key words: Foliar application, methanol, micro-macronutrients, Zea mays.

Abbreviation

NFA, Nitrogen foliar application; MgFA, magnesium foliar application; ZnFA, zinc foliar application; MnFA, manganese foliar application; BFA, boron foliar application; MFA, methanol foliar application.