Assessing the performance of maize genotypes and nitrogen levels on agronomic traits and phytochemical composition of corn

Nitrogen (N) indeed plays a crucial role in maize productivity, and selecting suitable genotypes is essential for unlocking the potential benefits of different cultivars and adapting to seasonal environmental and climatic fluctuations.An experiment was conducted to assess the performance of maize genotypes and nitrogen levels on agronomic traits and phytochemical composition of corn.The experiment was laid out in RCBD two factorial replicated three times.Two factors were: Factor A: maize genotype (Sahara KS85, Pioneer 30K08, Azam and Qayyum), factor B: Nitrogen levels (0 kgha, 120 kgha, 240 kgha and 360 kgha).The results showed that plant height, days to emergence, days to tasseling, days to silking, ear plant -1 , single cob weight (g), cob height (cm), grains cob -1 , grain yield, total phenolic content, total flavonoid and protein content of maize genotypes were significantly affected by nitrogen levels.Pioneer 30k08 showed maximum plant height, cob length, cob weight, grains cob -1 as well as maximum yield, followed by Sahara KS85.Higher levels of nitrogen i-e 360 kgha -1 , followed by 240 kgha -1 also showed higher yield and quality of maize crop.From this study, it can be concluded that application of nitrogen @ 360 kgha -1 showed promising results regarding growth and yield of maize.Furthermore, maize genotype Pioneer 30k08 performed very well and showed on par results as compared to other three genotypes.Hence it is recommended to use higher dose of nitrogen i-e 360 kgha -1 and maize genotype pioneer 30k08 for obtaining maximum yield of maize crop.