Influence of foliage applied allelopathic water extracts on the grain yield, quality and economic returns of hybrid maize

Abstract

Allelochemicals at low concentrations can promote the crop growth and productivity. In this study, allelopathic extracts of sorghum, maize, rice and moringa each at 3% were applied alone and in various combinations at 30 and 50 days after sowing (DAS) of maize crop. No spray and water spray were included as controls for comparison. Application of allelopathic extracts significantly improved plant height, number of grains and grain rows per cob, number of grains per row, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, protein, starch, oil and leaf chlorophyll contents of maize as compared to control during both the years of study. Maximum increase in grains per cob, grain rows per cob, 1000-grain weight, grain number and grain yield (35%) was noted by combined application of sorghum and moringa water extracts. Economic analysis revealed that combination of sorghum and moringa extracts was the most economical followed by combination of maize and moringa extracts and moringa extract alone. In conclusion, sorghum and moringa extract combination at 3% may be foliage applied for harvesting better maize yield of good quality with comparatively higher economic returns.