engleski

Response of corn genotypes to boron fertilization

Although 75 years have passed since that first evidence that boron (B) is an essential element for higher plants, a definitive primary function of B in plants in not yet clearly revealed. B shows some of the most distinct and typical effects on cell elongation and cell division, tissue differentiation, menbrane permeability, pollen germination and pollen tube growth. In general, low B contents in soil are in connection with high levels of Ca, while B toxicity is a common problem in arid and semiarid regions of the world. B supply could be especially important for seed production of crops including those of moderate B needs, for example corn. Because of considerable response of plant genotypes to B , we tested response of five corn genotypes to B fertilization. Five corn genotypes (parents of hybrid corn) response to B (soil incorporation immediately before sowing in form of borax) fertilization were tested under field conditions (Osijek eutrical cambisol and Bizovac black soil) as follows: a) control–unfertilized plot ; b) ordinary fertilization (160 kg N + 140 kg P2O5 and 210 kg K2O ha-1 ; c) b + 1.5 kg B ha-1 d) b + 3.0 kg B ha-1 ; e) b + 4.5 kg B ha-1. The soils have been different of plant available B (extraction of B with hot water), pH and CaCO3 contents, as well as similar properties concerning organic matter and plant available P and K (AL-method) contents. Grain yields were calculated on 14% moisture basis. Germination capacity was determined by the cold test. Average grain yild on Osijek soil was 36% higher compared to Bizovac soil. Also, NPK fertilization resulted by 37% and 10% yield increases compared to control, for Bizovac and Osijek soil, respectively. B fertilization resulted by significant increases of corn yield (for 11% comparison to ordinary fertilization) only on Bizovac soil. Also, by application of the highest B rate corn yield decreased on Bizovac soil to level of ordinary fertilization, while on Osijek soil non-significant yield differences among fertilization treatments were found. In general, soil characteristics and genotype were more influencing factors of corn yields in comparison to fertilization. Also, germination capacity, 3-day dynamics of germination and weight of 100 grains, were under considerable influenced of soil and genotype, while differences of these properties among fertilization treatments were non- significant Corn crop was normal morphological characteristics in both experiments. They were found considerable response of corn to B fertilization both on the level of genotypes and soil types. We recommend B fertilization for seed-corn crop, especially under conditions of moderate B supplies and/or growing of more susceptible genotypes.

Corn; Boron; Fertilization; Hybrids

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