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Agro-meteorological characteristics of the 2023 growing season in long-term maize experiments at Debrecen-Látókép
29-39Views:111The agrometeorological characteristics of the 2023 maize growing year were analysed and evaluated primarily on the basis of meteorological measurements at Debrecen-Látókép. Our results are also valid for the wider Debrecen area, since – at least this year – the water supply of the crop was not mainly dependent on local rainfall.
Following the exceptional drought of 2022, the very significant precipitation in the period September-January was sufficient to saturate the soils to field water capacity. Most of February and March 2023 were dry, allowing soil preparation, but the weather only became favourable for sowing in the second half of April, following a cool, wet period. Temperatures and sunshine conditions in May, which were in line with the long-term average, provided favourable conditions for the early vegetative development of maize, and there was no water deficit despite less rainfall than usual. In June, the weather continued to be moderate and warm, with above average rainfall, which is considered ideal for the second half of the vegetative development phase. July was warmer and drier than average, but without extremes such as in the summers of 2021 or 2022, and the slightly cool and moderately wet weather of the first decade of August had a positive effect on yield development. The warmest period of the summer, after the sensitive phenophase of maize, only resulted in a spectacular acceleration of ripening in mid-August. Record warm, dry weather in September favoured grain water release and harvesting.
The initial water supply was adequate for field water capacity, the moderately warm growing season, balanced temperatures and around average precipitation in the Debrecen area provided overall favourable agro-meteorological conditions for maize. -
Meteorological conditions of maize growing experiments on the agricultural campus of the University of Debrecen in the growing season 2022
5-19Views:128In 2022, a very severe drought developed in the Debrecen area. The average yield of the maize experiments at the University of Debrecen was lower than ever before. On several plots the crop yielded practically nothing. The evaluation of the meteorological conditions of such an exceptional year is essential to increase knowledge on the drought susceptibility of maize and to clarify the limits of stress tolerance. As far as possible, meteorological data measured at or near the experimental site should be used. In response to this need, we have investigated and presented the meteorological conditions on the agricultural campus, especially for maize. An important factor in the exceptional nature of the 2022 drought was the lack of sufficient precipitation to recharge the deeper layers of the soils during the previous winter. April was still average in terms of rainfall, but thereafter a very significant rainfall deficit developed. In the three summer months, a total of 66 mm of rain fell, 115 mm below average. The lack of water and its adverse effects were exacerbated by the fact that temperatures in the May-August period were significantly higher than normal. In particular, the summer months were much warmer than the long-term average, with positive temperature anomalies of 3.4 °C, 2.4 °C and 2.9 °C respectively. -
Agrometeorological characteristics of the 2024 maize growing season in Debrecen-Látókép
67-78Views:124The impact of weather on yields is realised in a complex interaction with agrotechnical factors. In this agrometeorological study for the year 2024, the main meteorological factors determining yields were analysed in relation to the agrotechnical elements and phenophases. The research was based on air temperature, soil temperature and precipitation measurements at the Látókép Experimental Station of the University of Debrecen and on sunshine duration data from the HungaroMet Debrecen Airport Station.
It can be concluded that the year 2024 was characterised by a marked duality in terms of maize production. The weather was favourable until June. Water availability was still adequate (partly due to favourable initial water availability in the soils) and temperatures were mostly above the multi-year average, without periods of extreme heat. Overall, this resulted in a well-developed stand with high yield potential. Subsequently, the weather changed fundamentally. Both July and August mean temperatures were close to record highs (24.2 °C). One of the heatwave peaks was in mid-July, coinciding in several places with the most heat stress-sensitive flowering phenophases of maize. The persistent, extremely hot weather in July-August was primarily responsible for the yield depression in the 2024 growing season. The below-average rainfall, combined with a significant soil depression, mainly during the maturing period. The combination of the soil trough, the atmospheric drought and the extremely high air temperatures caused the significant yield losses. -
Agrometeorological characteristics of the extreme drought of 2022 in Debrecen-Látókép
5-18Views:143A large part of Hungary, including the Debrecen area, was facing a very severe drought in 2022. Our research examined the weather conditions that led to maize yield losses on a scale not seen in decades.
In the winter before the growing season, deeper soil layers were not able to replenish water, and the spring water availability of maize was particularly low. April was cool with average rainfall. Thereafter, the weather was warm or very warm, sunny and extremely dry practically until the second half of August. Monthly mean temperatures in all three summer months were relatively uniformly 2–3 ºC above the multi-year average, with 44 heat days. In total, only 56 mm of rain fell during the summer, with only two daily rainfall events above 10 mm, which did not contribute significantly to the water supply of the maize due to the very high evaporation capacity of the air. From the beginning of the summer, soil drought severely limited water uptake and transpiration, and maize growth was very poor. The drought (a combination of soil and atmospheric drought), which worsened during the critical phenological phases (flowering and yield formation), left most maize plants infertile.
The exceptional nature of the drought of 2022 is due to the combination of very hot summer weather, with virtually no precipitation during the main periods, and very low initial soil water availability. In our region, we can expect an increase in drought risk as a result of climate change. -
Agrometeorological characteristics of the 2025 maize growing season in the Debrecen region
45-55Views:119In Hungary, soil drought, atmospheric drought, and extremely high temperatures often interact in complex ways to cause significant maize yield losses, so the issue of drought was also the focus of the agrometeorological study for 2025. As in previous years, the main meteorological factors determining crop yield were analysed and the weather in the Debrecen region was evaluated in relation to the individual phenological phases.
At the beginning of the growing season, the upper soil layers were saturated with water, but slightly less water than usual reached the deeper layers. April, which is favorable for maize (sowing and germination period), was followed by a particularly cool May, significantly slowing down plant development. Due to the very dry, very hot June, signs of water stress were already visible to the naked eye in the second half of the month (plant height, leaf condition), as a result of increasing soil drought and regular atmospheric drought during the daytime. July proved to be favorable with rainy and moderately warm weather, which was the main reason why the average maize yield was above average. In line with previous research results, this year's harvest proves that the seemingly extremely unfavorable weather in June does not in itself prevent above-average yields. -
Evaluation of the efficiency of the Debrecen Wastewater Treatment Plant
59-81Views:37Proper collection and treatment of wastewater is a priority today to protect environmental values and aquatic ecosystems. In the process of doing so, sewage sludge is produced, which is a by-product of the treatment process. Proper treatment, disposal and disposal of sludge must be ensured in all cases. Wastewater treatment is carried out in several stages, using several methods simultaneously.
The data show that in both years under review, the treated effluent discharged complies with the limits for BOI5, COD, total nitrogen and total phosphorus set in Decree 28/2004 (25. 12. 2004) of the Ministry of Public Works and Water Management, and therefore does not cause any environmental damage at the receiving site.
The sewage sludge produced by the treatment plant may be suitable as a substitute for macro- and micro-nutrient fertilisers on the basis of its content. Due to its favourable properties, it could allow a sustainable and economical agricultural use in the long term.
The performance of the Debrecen Wastewater Treatment Plant meets the requirements in terms of the parameters examined. It can be concluded that, if the quality and quantity of raw sewage arriving at the plant are not changed, and no technological changes are made, the treatment efficiency will not change. -
Analysing the smart parameters of maize hybrids
21-36Views:135In this research, excellent maize hybrids grown over a large area in Hungary were tested in a super intensive drip irrigation experiment. The experiment was set up at the University of Debrecen, Institutes for Agricultural Research and Educational Farm, Debrecen Educational Farm and Landscape Research Institute (DE AKIT DTTI) the Látókép Crop Production Experimental Station. In our study, eight hybrids with different FAO numbers were analysed under field conditions in drip irrigation long-term experiments. The yield of each genotype and the yield components determining the yield were estimated on the basis of individual sampling after physiological maturity. After sampling, the average individual grain weight, individual grain number, thousand grain weight and yield of each genotype were determined by individual sample processing. Despite unfavourable agro-meteorological factors, intensive production techniques resulted in yields of genotypes H3, H5 and H6 all exceeding 15 t ha-1, indicating high yield stability of the examined genotypes. Two factors, individual grain number and individual grain weight, are of primary importance in the development of yield. Genotype-specific evaluation of these factors revealed that the genotype H6 was prominent in the values of individual grain number, outperforming the other examined hybrids by about 9–34%. In addition, in the experiment, the H5 hybrid also had an individual grain number exceeding 600 grains per ear, significantly outperforming the other tested hybrids. The genotype H4 proved to be the most outstanding in terms of thousand grain weight with a value of 465.71 g. These results showed that the hybrid had 10–27% higher thousand grain weight compared to the other tested genotypes. Of the examined hybrids, H2 and H3, which exceeded 400 g thousand grain weight, showed outstanding values despite the fact that they are short maturity hybrids. -
Evaluation of smart parameters based on results from maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids of different genotypes
5-28Views:43In Hungary, the efficiency of arable crop production is significantly determined by the quality of maize production practices. The comparative study of maize hybrids and the establishment of a field trial was initiated in 1977 by the KITE in Nádudvar at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the predecessor University of Agricultural Sciences in Debrecen. This is also the reason why the University of Debrecen, in a unique way in Europe, has all the conditions for field experiments (tillage × irrigation × fertilisation × plant number × hybrids × sowing date interactions) at its Látókép Experiment Site. The results of field experiments are suitable for the state-of-the-art development of precision farming technologies. The new scientific findings, in particular the reliable parameters measured in comparative experiments on maize hybrids, will serve the practical application and effectiveness of precision farming.
Using the results of field experiments, we evaluated the smart parameters of four maize hybrids of different genotypes. These parameters help in hybrid selection and adaptation of hybrid-specific precision farming technology. The examined maize hybrids showed excellent phenological traits, i.e. plant height: 320–340 cm, ear height: 138–151 cm, stalk diameter: 20.5–21.5 mm. Leaf area indices varied significantly (3.6–4.7 m2/m2). The highest yield was obtained by hybrid P 9985 (17.53 t/ha), which exceeded the other hybrids by 1.48–2.37 t/ha. The parameters SPAD, NDVI, grain number, thousand grain weight, grain moisture, grain number per ear and ear weight were studied in the experiment. The hybrids had excellent content values: protein content: 5.7–6.5%, starch content: 75.2–76.5%, oil content: 3.1–3.6%. -
Comparative assessment of the yield parameters of KWS maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids
7-20Views:126Breeding maize hybrids is a slow and expensive process. Maize hybrids perform differently under different environmental conditions and agricultural management practices, making hybrid selection one of the most important management decisions for maize growers. Choosing the right maize hybrid with high yield potential for the location can improve profitability, grain yield and quality at harvest.
The experiment was carried out at the University of Debrecen Institutes for Agricultural Research and Educational Farm (AKIT), Debrecen Agricultural and Landscape Research Institute (DTTI), Látókép Crop Production Experimental Station to evaluate the yield parameters of three maize genotypes with different maturity (FAO 350, FAO 400 and FAO 460). Our studies evaluated the yield, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of maize hybrids and the yield determinants of yield.
In terms of yield, in the "potential" field experiments, the excellent FAO 400 maturity maize hybrid KWS FORTURIO achieved a peak yield with a record value of 20.05 t/ha, which exceeded the yield of the other genotypes tested by 12.29–14.83%, a significant difference.
Significant differences in starch content were measured among the tested hybrids, with the highest result obtained by the FAO 350 maturity KWS OLTENIO hybrid with 63.78%.
Based on our analyses, we found that some quantitative and qualitative yield traits are genotype specific, which results support the importance of selecting the most suitable maturity genotype for the production objective. -
Quality analysis of different FAO number maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) in irrigated production
113-124Views:124Three maize hybrids of different ripening periods and FAO numbers (350, 450 and 550) were examined at the Látókép Experiment Site of the University of Debrecen. The precipitation deficit was compensated by irrigation in the extremely drought year of 2022.
When evaluating the yield of the maize hybrids, it was found that the hybrids with higher FAO number produced more yield. Compared to the yield of the FAO 350 hybrid (14.241 t ha-1), the FAO 450 hybrid yielded 12% more and the FAO 550 hybrid 13.3% more significantly.
When grain moisture values were analysed, a similar correlation was found, with higher grain moisture associated with higher yields. It was found that, compared to the grain moisture of the FAO 350 hybrid (15.1%), the FAO 450 hybrid showed significantly higher values by 7% and the FAO 550 hybrid by 29%.
Based on the quality analysis of maize grain, it was found that the protein content, in contrast to yield and grain moisture values, was reliably lower as the FAO numbers increased. Compared to the protein content of the FAO 350 hybrid (7.27%), the FAO 450 hybrid achieved 14% and the FAO 550 hybrid 18% lower values. Oil content did not differ significantly between hybrids with different FAO numbers (3.82; 3.54 and 3.14%). Starch content was 2–3% higher in the higher FAO hybrids, but the difference was not significant. -
Evaluation of smart parameters of FAO 520 maize hybrid (Zea mays L.) in drip irrigation long-term experiments
65-79Views:129Climate change poses increasing challenges for maize production. Climate change is particularly noticeable in Hungary. When growing maize hybrids, special attention must be paid to nutrient and water supply. Irrigation development and the installation of irrigation systems are key elements of precision maize cultivation. One such intensive technology is drip irrigation, which ensures efficient crop production in a planned and controlled manner. This precision irrigation technique delivers water directly to the root zone, optimising water supply. The movement of nitrogen in the soil, which is necessary for yield formation, is highly dependent on irrigation. Monitoring the nitrogen supply of plants provides important information. The most commonly used methods for this are the SPAD and NDVI indices, which have a wide range of applications.
The tests were carried out at the Látókép Experimental Station of the University of Debrecen, where all the conditions are in place to carry out important analyses by comparing accurate measurement data collected over many years. This time, the subject of the study was the FAO520 maize hybrid. Based on the long-term experiment results, the H520 maize hybrid has good phenotypic characteristics, a stable structure, high yield potential, good adaptability, and fast water release dynamics. The yield of the H520 maize hybrid is excellent in irrigated cultivation (21.41 t/ha). The dry matter accumulation dynamics of the hybrid are outstanding. The grain moisture content at harvest was very favorable, at 13.9%. -
Comparative analysis of SPAD, NDVI, phenological and generative parameters of maize hybrids (Zea mays L.)
5-22Views:52Maize is a versatile multi-purpose crop that plays an essential role in the global food security. Meeting the needs of a growing population places the arable lands under the stress of intensive crop production. As the variations in climate conditions pose additional threats to maize production, the challenge focuses now on sustaining the crop yield, ensuring maximum yield and safeguarding crop protection.
The experiment was carried out in 2023 at the Látókép Plant Production Experimental Site of the University of Debrecen (Hungary). The authors aimed to monitor the changes in spectral reflectance at leaf and canopy level at several growth stages of two different maize hybrids. Another objective was to evaluate their field agronomic performance and eventually compare between their results. Thus, SPAD, NDVI and LAI indices were recorded at five phenological stages (6-leaf, 12-leaf, silking, dough, maturity) of the development of two maize hybrids. Other agronomic characteristics of maize had been measured, including plant height, cob length, stalk diameter, grain moisture content, nitrogen accumulation and grain yield.
The results demonstrated that Mv 352 hybrid had higher potential in terms of yield produced (13.64 t/ha) comparing to Fornad (12.93 t/ha), in addition to higher plant height, cob length and stalk diameter. The SPAD, NDVI and LAI recorded values showed higher values as the different growth stages developed and then decreased reaching the maturity phase. It was found that both hybrids had slight variation in their performance in this regard. However, in terms of nitrogen accumulation, Mv 352 had higher nitrogen content accumulated during the whole growing period in comparison with Fornad, highlighting its great performance in terms of nitrogen absorption and translocation.
This study highlights the importance of monitoring SPAD, NDVI, and LAI values, as well as the plant nitrogen accumulation that provides insights into the physiological conditions of maize plants during the different growth stages, allowing for the early detection of stress factors, therefore enabling timely interventions. Additionally, this work emphasises the crucial aspect of performing these measurements for the selection and breeding of high-performing maize hybrids. -
Evaluation of dry matter accumulation and water loss dynamics of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids in a long-term field experiment
51-63Views:117The extremely hot summer weather in 2024 provided favorable conditions for the heat sum-based evaluation of maize hybrids. At the University of Debrecen's Látókép Experimental Station, we evaluated the development, dry matter accumulation, and water loss dynamics of five hybrids with different FAO numbers (P9398, P9944, P9975, P0450, P0710).
Based on the results, hybrid-specific physiological maturation and dry matter accumulation could be well monitored as a function of the useful heat sum. The dry matter and grain moisture values determined during sampling allowed for accurate characterization of the water loss rate, which showed significant differences between the hybrids. The timing and duration of the intensive water loss phase are decisive for the harvest date and drying costs. Heat sum-based monitoring is a reliable tool for determining the phenological stages of maize hybrids and can contribute to the optimization of cultivation technology in a changing climate. -
Evaluation of the yield components, NDVI values, and water release dynamics of maize hybrids (Zea mays L.)
77-96Views:3Adapting to climate change is crucial in maize production. Changes in climatic factors are particularly noticeable in Hungary, which is why special attention must be paid to nutrient and water supply when growing maize hybrids.
In our analysis of agrotechnical studies for the year 2025, we focused primarily on the weather characteristics and meteorological conditions during the growing season and their effects, as well as soil and air temperature as the main factors determining crop yield.
We conducted our measurements and observations at the University of Debrecen’s Látókép Experimental Station. Here, we performed important analyses by comparing precise measurement data collected over several years. This time, the subjects of our study were maize hybrids H320 and H420. Based on the results of our long-term experiments, we can conclude that both maize hybrids possess good phenotypic traits, have a stable structure, and exhibit good root and stem characteristics. H320 produced a yield of 15.99 t/ha with relatively rapid water loss dynamics; its grain moisture content at harvest was 16.9%. The H420 corn hybrid achieved a higher yield of 18.12 t/ha with water loss dynamics that can be described as moderate. Grain moisture content at harvest was 17.67%.
Monitoring the plant’s nitrogen supply provides important information. One of the most commonly used methods is the NDVI index. We consistently measured higher NDVI values for the H420 hybrid.
Grain drying proceeded at a moderate rate following physiological maturity; the harvest date was slightly later than in previous years, but weather conditions did not hinder harvesting operations.
For the H320 hybrid, 140 days and 1,399 HU were required from emergence to physiological maturity, while for the H420 hybrid, 145 days and 1,446 HU were required from emergence to physiological maturity. -
Effect of different fungicides on yield and seed infestation of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.)
41-58Views:42A fungicide study was carried out in lupin (Lupnis albus L.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) plants on the sandy soil of the AKIT Nyíregyháza Research Institute of the University of Debrecen, Hungary, the number of literature sources on plant protection in these small crops is limited. Various fungal diseases can set back plant development and negatively affect yields, and the vitality of harvested seeds is also important. In both crops, three treatments were applied in mid-June: tebuconazole + prochloraz, mefenoxam + mankoceb and azoxistrobin + cyproconazole. NDVI data were collected using the Trimble GreenSeeker HCS-100 device to monitor vegetation changes. After harvest, the harvested crop was cleaned in the Westrup Kamas laboratory seed cleaner and the amount of crop residue was documented. In addition, we documented the different seed yields and then placed the seeds on Papavizas substrate for seed infection testing. According to the NDVI values recorded in the lupin plots, the highest average NDVI value was recorded in the tebuconazole + prochloraz treated plots after fungicide treatment. The least infested seed according to both dates of recording also came from plots treated with tebuconazole + prochloraz, but these plots did not perform particularly well in terms of seed yield. Based on NDVI values following common vetch fungicide treatment, the highest average NDVI values were found in plots treated with tebuconazole + prochloraz. In the seed infestation test, the control plots had the lowest number of infected seeds at the first evaluation, and at the second evaluation, seeds from plots treated with azoxistrobin + cyproconazole had the lowest number of fungal infected seeds. Based on harvested seed yield values, none of the fungicide treatments caused yield increases in any of the examined plants. No significant difference was found, but the average seed yield of the control plots was the highest for both crops. Some of the active substances used have been or will be removed soon, therefore, new active substances should be included in the research. -
Effect of precision drip irrigation on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Leaf Area Index and SPAD readings of sweet maize (Zea mays conv. saccharata Koern) in a field experiment
107-122Views:111Nowadays, growing sweet maize is difficult due to increasing climate change. This research was carried out under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions at the University of Debrecen, Böszörményi út Campus Demonstration Garden. The examined sweet maize hybrids were SF1379 and Honey. Precision instruments were used to monitor the development of the sweet maize population. Leaf area index (LAI), SPAD values and Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) were measured in two phenological stages. The evolution of dry matter production of husk, cob and grain was measured before and at harvest. The obtained experiment results showed that LAI, SPAD, NDVI and dry matter values increased significantly with irrigation.
We can provide practical results for sweet maize growers to raise awareness on the use of precision irrigation. Sweet maize production requires optimal, precise technology and is efficient and profitable under irrigated conditions. -
Analysis of the physiological effects of different sowing dates in a maize stand
69-86Views:46The aim of this study is to examine how different sowing times affect the germination dynamics of maize hybrids with different ripening periods, as well as their impact on maize development and yield. The experiment was conducted in Hungary, at the Látókép Experimental Station of the University of Debrecen, on calcareous chernozem soil, in a growing season with average precipitation (2023). In the field experiment, three sowing dates were used: Sowing Date I (April 17), Sowing time II (April 24), and Sowing time III (May 23). The same hybrids were included in the experiment for all three sowing dates (H1: FAO 380, H2: FAO 490). Following the germination dynamics test, plant height and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD value) were measured in the stand at three time points: 6-leaf (V6), 12-leaf (V12), and 50% silking (R1) phenological phases. During the first two days of the germination phase, both early and medium-ripening hybrids germinated at nearly the same percentage (H1: 76%, H2: 75%) in Sowing Date I, while in Sowing Date II (H1: 84%, H2: 88%) and Sowing Date III (H1: 87%, H2: 84%), the difference in the germination dynamics of the hybrids was more significant. Between phenophases V6 and R1, the percentage increase in relative chlorophyll content (SPAD value) was highest for hybrid H1 in Sowing Date I and for hybrid H2 in Sowing Date II, while it was lowest for both hybrids in Sowing Date III. The influence of sowing dates on SPAD values was detectable in the V12 phenophase (Sowing Date II p<0.005) for the H1 hybrid and in the V6 (Sowing time III, p<0.005) and V12 phenophase (Sowing time II, p<0.005). Based on the height data measured in different phenological phases, sowing date influenced the growth of maize hybrids, but this effect was not statistically significant in all cases (R1). For the different maize hybrids, the differences in yield results between the hybrids within the examined sowing dates and within each sowing date were not statistically significant. This suggests that sowing date did not have a pronounced effect on the yield of any of the hybrids. At the same time, however, the best sowing date (H1-Sowing date I. 14.959 t/ha; H2-Sowing date II. 14.208 t/ha) may allow for better water and nutrient utilisation and avoid heat stress or drought periods affecting flowering.
The statistically significant strongest correlations between SPAD value and yield for both maize hybrids were found at Sowing Date I and Sowing Date III in the R1 phenological phase (H1 – Sowing Date I: r=0.990**, Sowing Date III: r=0.999***; H2 – Sowing Date I: r=0.976*, Sowing Date III: r=0.944*). -
Debreceni tartamkísérletek 40 éves eredményei
63-101Views:45A növénytermesztés technológiai folyamatában az adott növény termés-mennyiségére, termésbiztonságára és termésminőségére jelentős számú ökológiai, biológiai és antropogén (agrotechnikai) tényező hat. Ezek a tényezők egyenként, individuálisan is jelentős mértékben tudják befolyásolni a kultúrnövények termésképződési folyamatait, de még nagyobb számú azon kapcsolatok sokasága, amelyek a tényezők közötti kölcsönhatások eredményeként jelennek meg. Szükség van tehát szabatos, ellenőrzött feltételek mellett beállított szántóföldi kísérletekre, amelyek lehetőséget nyújtanak egy-egy, vagy több tényező termésképződésre gyakorolt hatásainak pontos meghatározására. A növénytermesztési fejlesztések mellett alapadatokat, nélkülözhetetlen információkat szolgáltatnak a növénynemesítés, a talajtan, az agrokémia, a növényvédelem és egyéb diszciplínák adatbázisához, ugyanakkor jelentősen hozzájárulnak a szaktanácsadási munkához, a klímaváltozás hatásainak meghatározásához, illetve az ahhoz történő adaptációhoz, a környezetvédelmi feladatok, az élelmiszerbiztonsági problémák megoldásához is.
A tartamkísérletek különleges értéket képviselnek a növénytermesztési diszciplínákban. A növénytermesztés az elmúlt évtizedek során egyre inkább multidiszciplináris tudománnyá alakult át, amelyben egyesülnek az alap-alapozó (növénytan, növényélettan, talajtan, agrokémia, agrometeorológia stb.) és alkalmazotti diszciplínák (növénykórtan, herbológia, növényvédelmi állattan, műszaki ismeretek, földműveléstan, élelmiszertudomány stb.). A tartamkísérletek nemzeti értéket képviselnek és a fejlettebb országokban ennek megfelelő erkölcsi, tudományos és anyagi megbecsülést is kapnak. Sajnos ez Magyarországon nem így van. Egy-egy kutató, egyetemi oktató elszántsága, jövőbe vetett hite kell ahhoz, hogy ezek a tartamkísérletek fennmaradjanak, tovább folytatódjanak. Egyúttal azt is hangsúlyozni szükséges, hogy a tartamkísérletek eredményei messze túlmutatnak az agrárium területein. Napjainkban, de még inkább a jövőben a tartamkísérletekben elért eredmények hasznosan szolgálhatják a társadalmi-politikai döntéseket (pl. foglalkoztatottság, társadalmi rétegek helyzete, munkaerő piaci trendek stb.), a műszaki-innovációs fejlesztéseket (új gépek, precíziós technológiák stb.), a klímaváltozások negatív hatásainak mérséklését, a környezetvédelmi döntéseket és még hosszan folytathatnánk a felsorolást.
A Debrecen-Látóképi Kísérleti Telepet 1983. évben létesítettük, ebben az évben kerültek a tartamkísérletek is beállításra. A tartamkísérletek létesítésében sok-sok szakember vett részt, közülük is kiemelkedő szerepet játszott Dr. Bocz Ernő, Dr. Ruzsányi László, Dr. Nagy János és Dr. Pepó Péter. A tartamkísérletek alapítása tehát 40 évre tekint vissza. Ez alatt az idő alatt nagyon sok oktató, kutató, technikus kapcsolódott be a mindennapi munkába közülük Dr. Vad Attila és Török Tamás személye emelhető ki. A tartamkísérletek olyan alapot jelentenek, melyre szilárdan építhettek a társdiszciplínák kutató-oktatói (földműveléstan, genetika, talajtan, agrokémia, agrometeorológia, növényvédelem stb.).
Az elmúlt 40 év alatt sok-sok millió kísérleti adat került rögzítésre és feldolgozásra, melyek közül csak a legfontosabbak bemutatására nyílik lehetőség a korlátozott terjedelem miatt. -
Evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) parameters in different phenophases as a function of heat sums in irrigated production
85-103Views:231In Hungary, maize is one of the most widely grown crops, with a stable area of 0.8–1 million hectares. The reason for this is the exceptional yield of the crop, which allows a significant amount of value to be produced per unit area. Domestic production is mainly used for animal feed, particularly in the poultry and pig sectors, and for feeding ruminants. Its use is not only as food or fodder crops, but is also increasingly important for the production of oil, bioethanol and energy. The intrinsic values of maize – protein, starch and oil – are crucial for its use in industry, feed and food. The nutrient supply of maize is essential to ensure plant development. Adequate nutrient supply is essential to ensure sustainable farming and high yields. The nutrient rates applied must be adapted to the needs of the crop so that the hybrids tolerate stress caused by seasonal effects well and yield security is maintained.
Water deficit is one of the most serious abiotic stresses that negatively affect plant growth, development and yield. Extreme weather conditions reduce yields and threaten stable production. The content, quality and industrial use of maize are closely linked to genetic, ecological and agrotechnical factors. By selecting the appropriate hybrid and applying the appropriate cultivation technology, yield indicators can be adapted to different purposes. In the agrotechnical studies for 2024, the main yield determinants were analysed, and weather was evaluated for each agrotechnical element and phenophase. The research is mainly based on meteorological measurements at the Látókép Experimental Station of the University of Debrecen. In the winter period 2023/24, 283 mm of precipitation fell in 6 months, 69 mm above the long-term average. In June, the weather was free of extremes, with evenly distributed temperatures, but above the multi-year average. The above average rainfall (66 mm), combined with soil moisture in the deeper layers of the soil, ensured a good water supply.
The average temperatures in both July and August were close to record highs (24.2 °C). The exceptional warmth in August (mid to late August) was mainly due to the shortening of the ripening phase. The 29 mm of precipitation in July was less than half the multi-year average and the following month of August was also dry (33 mm). The summer total was 128 mm. In early September, the unseasonably warm weather continued, with the first decade showing a positive anomaly of nearly 7 °C. The physiological maturity of the maize and its rapid drainage and drying allowed early harvesting. The year 2024 was marked by a marked dichotomy in terms of maize production.
Our field maize experiments allowed us to record the phenophases of the plants throughout the growing season (Hanway scale). As a new result, our analyses showed that, especially in the generative phase, more accurate data were obtained when taking into account the useful heat sum (HU) calculations. From emergence to silking, 60 days passed using 545 HU of heat sum. From silking to waxy maturation (R4) 32 days and 422 HU were needed. It was found that from silking to physiological maturation, typical of the genotype, 815 HU were required. The yield of maize hybrid H470 under irrigation is excellent (20.76 t/ha). The dry matter incorporation dynamics of the hybrid is outstanding. Dry matter gain was measured weekly. At the physiological maturation phenophase (30 August 2024), using 1360 HU, the dry matter content was 77.1%. The dry matter measurements allowed the evaluation of the water loss dynamics of a maize hybrid with excellent yield potential. Measurements and analyses were performed every seven days. The water loss rate was 5.5% in the first week, 5.8% in the second week, 4.6% in the third week and 6.9% in the fourth week. At physiological maturation, grain moisture showed a favourable value (22.9%). After physiological maturation, the daily water loss was 0.23% during the 21-day period. -
Evaluation of the yield parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids of different FAO numbers in an irrigated crop stand
69-84Views:128Five maize hybrids with different maturity and FAO-number (350, 380, 420, 490 and 510) were tested at the Látkép Experiment Site of the University of Debrecen. In 2022, an especially drought year, the rainfall deficit (456 mm) was compensated by irrigation. A large number of measurements were taken to record plant height, thousand grain weight, leaf area index, and ear parameters. The highest yield was obtained with the FAO 420 hybrid (H-11), 18.397 t ha-1. The results of the FAO 350 (H-9) and FAO 380 (H-10) hybrids (15.657–15.678 t ha-1) were identical. The yields of the hybrids FAO 490 (H-12) and FAO 510 (H-13) were significantly different (14.973 and 17.395 t ha-1). The obtained research results show that yields are mainly determined by the thousand grain weight. -
Results of a water and nutrient management (N dose) long-term experiment
41-55Views:141The results of the field experiments provide a stable orientation basis for the continuous, broad development of agriculture. The long-term complex fertilisation experiment established in 1983 at the University of Debrecen's Látókép Experiment Site provides a unique opportunity to compare the nutrient responses of maize genotypes between non-fertilised control plots and five increasing nitrogen application rates in both irrigated and non-irrigated experimental conditions. Based on many years of experimental results, we found statistically proven yield enhancing effects of all nitrogen fertilisation levels. Nitrogen utilisation efficiency was highest at the 60 kg/ha treatment, resulting in 45.8% higher yields. Evaluating the irrigated experimental version, we found that optimal water supply resulted in an increase in yield stability for both the control and increasing nitrogen doses, with less measurable seasonal variability in yield, with a yield increase of 0.49–2.58 t/ha. The effect of irrigation in increasing crop stability was also reflected in fertiliser use efficiency. On average, 120 kg nitrogen/ha increased maize yield by 62–105% and 180 kg nitrogen/ha by 57–112% compared to control plots. -
Evaluation of field genetic potential based on the results of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with different genotypes
5-21Views:43Based on the results of field trials, we evaluated the phenometric and yield-forming elements of two maize hybrids with different maturity times. These indicators greatly contribute to the recommendation of hybrids to growers in farm practice and provide guidance in the development of hybrid-specific production technology.
Syngenta Kft. and the University of Debrecen have been conducting a joint study since 2018 to determine the field yield potential of new hybrids to be introduced. During the trial we strive to ensure that corn receives optimal conditions and does not starve for a unique day. During the experiment, the development stages of the hybrids were recorded in addition to the growth day degree (GDD). In addition to the continuous monitoring of SPAD and NDVI values, the dry-down dynamics are also precisely determined. 2024 was an extreme year for maize production, with extremely high temperatures characterizing the country in July and August. Based on the latest harvest data, the average domestic yield was 5.7 t/ha (varied between 3.4–7.9 t/ha among counties). The yield depression of the 2024 growing year was primarily due to the persistent, extremely hot weather in the summer. Coupled with less than average precipitation, a significant soil drought developed.
In the above experiment, SY Evident FAO 430-440 (H13 hybrid) achieved a yield of 20.81 t/ha, while SY Stacio FAO 360-380 (H12 hybrid), which was earlier in maturity, achieved a yield of 19.46 t/ha on a mesoplot at the university’s Látókép field experimental site. The results of the tested hybrids were greatly influenced by the early planting date, with which the hybrids avoided the extreme heat during flowering. The different genotypes were greatly influenced by the harmonious nutrient supply and optimal weather conditions in May and June (VE-R1 phase). This was statistically confirmed in the change in chlorophyll content (SPAD values) and NDVI values among the hybrids. Due to the high GDD values and ideal conditions created by irrigation during the growth stages from the period of grain filling to physiological maturity (R2-R6 phase), the hybrid with a higher maturity time (H13) statistically exceeded the hybrid with a very early maturity time (H12) by 6.9%. The irrigation-water use efficiency (IRRWUE) of the tested hybrids was as follows: in the case of SY Evident (H13) it was 41.8 kg/mm, while in the case of SY Stacio (H12) this value was 39.2 kg/mm.
By supporting optimal fertilization, we can increase yields, improve crop safety and strengthen sustainable agricultural practices at the same time. Our goal is to transfer these results to farm practice in the future, complemented by the background support of recent digital tools. -
Harvest time evaluation of sweet maize (Zea mays L. convar. saccharata Koern) hybrids based on dry matter and sucrose yield dynamics
53-68Views:120Hungarian sweet maize production, in demand worldwide, averages 500,000 tonnes over several years, thanks to well-chosen precision farming technology. In agriculture, the success of sweet maize production is influenced by many factors, and therefore we are constantly faced with practical challenges. Limited data are available on the dynamics of sugar accumulation in plants, especially under abiotic stress. We investigated a sweet maize hybrid for public cultivation in an experiment set up on the campus of the University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management. Quality parameters were determined from grain samples taken at harvest under laboratory conditions at the Agricultural Instrument Centre of the Faculty. In our sweet maize field experiment, dry matter content and sucrose content were measured in grain samples taken at four sampling times. Based on our measurement results, we found that the dry matter gain dynamics of the four examined sweet maize hybrids were different, all with linear increasing trends. Based on our research results, we demonstrated that dry matter and sucrose yields of all four hybrids were most favourable for harvesting at the third sampling time. Compared to the first sampling date, in two weeks, dry matter yield increased by 46% and sucrose content tripled in a tonne of sweet maize grain yield. Thereafter, dry matter and sucrose gains slowed down. -
Effect of basal and top-dressing fertilisation and irrigation on leaf area index and yield in maize stands
101-118Views:65The effects of basal and top-dressing fertilisation and irrigation on leaf area index (LAI) and yield in maize in an extreme dry year (2022) were investigated. The studies were carried out in Hungary, at the University of Debrecen Látókép Experiment Site on calcareous chernozem soil. In the field experiments, nitrogen (N) was applied as a basal and top-dressing fertiliser in split rates in a non-fertilised control (A0). The spring application rates of 60 and 120 kg N/ha (A60, A120), applied as spring basal fertiliser, were followed by two top dressings at V6 and V12 phenophases (V690, V6150 and V12120, V12180), at rates of +30 and +30 kg N/ha, respectively. The application rate was 115 mm of irrigation water. Based on the results of the test year, it can be concluded that in the different phenological stages (V8, V10, V12, Vn, VT, R1 R3, R6), averaged over the hybrids and treatments, LAI values increased in the vegetative development stage. The highest value was observed in the Vn phenological phase (irrigated 3.074±0.595; non-irrigated: 2.495±0.324) (p<0.05). The lowest LAI values were measured in the A0 treatment (irrigated: 1.663±0.633; non-irrigated: 1.324±0.455), while the highest values were measured in both irrigated (2.620±0.928 m2/m2; p<0.05) and non-irrigated (1.702±0.622; p<0.05) conditions in the A120 treatment. There was no significant increase in LAI as a result of top-dressing. The lowest fertiliser rate (A60) increased yield by 92.3% under irrigated conditions and by 64.7% under non-irrigated conditions compared to the A0 treatment. The 120 kg N/ha basal treatment resulted in a further yield increase compared to the 60 kg N/ha basal treatment (irrigated: +19.8%; non-irrigated: +24.4%). The highest significant yield was obtained with the A120 treatment (irrigated: 11.863±1.104 t/ha; non-irrigated: 8.649±0.971 t/ha; p<0.05). A different degree of correlation between LAI and yield was found as the phenological stages progressed. Under irrigated conditions, LAI values measured at the VT (r=0.753***) phenophase had the greatest effect on yield. Under non-irrigated conditions, the Vn (r=0.602***) phenological stage showed the strongest correlation between the two factors. The research carried out contributes to increase the target yield, to achieve sustainable production and to make appropriate decisions in extreme dry years.
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