Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Quality Protein Maize (QPM)

Response of quality protein maize hybrid (HQPM-1) to various N and P levels was studied at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif 2012. Quality protein maize was tested with four nitrogen levels (0, 120, 180 and 240 kg N ha-1) and four phosphorus levels (0, 60, 80 and 100 kg P2O5 ha-1) which was laid out in randomized block design with three replications at a spacing of 60 20 cm. Results showed that each incremental effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers significantly increased the plant height, LAI, dry matter production and yield (grain and stover) of HQPM-1 hybrid over control. Application of 240kg N ha-1 gave maximum plant height (212.75 cm), LAI (3.89), dry matter production (13432 kg ha-1), grain yield (6383 kg ha-1) and stover yield (7050 kg ha-1) followed by 180, 120 kg N ha-1and control. Similarly, 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 resulted in highest plant height (185.95 cm), LAI (3.17), dry matter production (10572 kg ha-1), grain yield (5010 kg ha-1) and stover yield (5562 kg ha-1). It is concluded that N and P should be applied at the rate of 240 kg ha-1 and 100 kg ha-1 for quality protein maize to realize good yields in the agro-ecological conditions of South Telangana region of A. P.