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• Effect of maize (Zea mays L.) emergence dynamics on yield

  97-112

  István Sojnóczki

  János Nagy

  István Kecskés

  Views:

  127

  Recently, there has been an increased interest in improving sowing technologies and practices, as sowing is one of the most important, if not the most critical, operations that a farmer carries out during the growing season. The emergence dynamics of sown seed have been suggested by several authors to have an impact on yield potential. This condition was studied in two crop years that differed in environmental conditions. Under these effects, individual yields of the earliest- and later-emerged plants were examined. Various physical parameters were measured, such as ear weight, ear length, ear diameter, as well as individual grain weight, thousand grain weight and number of grains. Correlation was found between these yield parameters and the ripening time. Our results confirmed that there is an influence of the emergence dynamics on the yield potential, as the earliest-emerging plants yield the highest yield. Therefore, our breeding technology should also meet the goal of getting as many plants to germinate in the first emergence period.

• The effects of precision maize (Zea mays L.) sowing systems adapted to tillage systems on the emergence dynamics of maize

  85-106

  István Sojnóczki

  János Nagy

  Views:

  129

  Recent years have brought a change of approach to soil management. An increasing number of farmers are changing their approach from the conventional approach to a variety of no-tillage solutions. In many cases, these are only partial, depending on the previous crop and the given area. Often farms perceive the need for a different agro-technology, if they change tillage practices, they also have to change their sowing methods.
  This research looks at different tillage systems and their effects on the environment. In this context, we will investigate conventional and multiple no-tillage systems, and the emergence time of maize hybrids under the environmental conditions created by different tillage systems. The studies were conducted in a multi-factorial, long-term tillage field experiment. We present the investigation of different sowing technology solutions. Three different sowing carriage loading systems were mounted on the same sowing machines. With these solutions, the same seed lot of the same maize hybrid was sown in several crop years. In addition to investigating the effects of environmental conditions, the effects of each system on emergence were recorded.
  Our research results demonstrate that maize emergence under the influence of precision seeder loading systems, which can automatically and instantaneously adapt to environmental conditions, is significantly more uniform and faster than that of mechanical systems.

• Testing of primary and secondary tubers of potato parent and breeding lines with different osmotic stress tolerance in an isolated and greenhouse cropping system

  37-61

  Alexandra Hanász

  Judit Dobránszki

  László Zsombik

  Views:

  46

  Probably one of the most defining problems of our time is providing food for the growing population of the earth. The aim of today's modern plant cultivation is to minimize risk factors and maximize the possibility of success. In our experiment, we examined potato parent lines (C103, C107) and their breeding lines (C11, C20) with known osmotic stress tolerance, which, based on our previous knowledge, could be valuable breeding subjects for both our current and future research. Primary tubers were made from shoot cultures produced by in vitro micropropagation under isolated conditions, then the harvested primary tubers were planted in green house at two different plant distance and fraction group (normal: T1: 25 cm, F1: 20–45 mm and narrow: T2: 15 cm, F2: -19 mm). We examined the changes in the tuber yield, as well as the influencing role of plant distance both in the amount of harvested tubers and in the distribution between fractions. In the case of the secondary tuber, we observed the emergence dynamics, the leaf height and fresh leaf weight values before harvest, the chlorophyll-a, -b and total chlorophyll content of the fresh leaves, as well as the Fv/Fm values of the chlorophyll fluorescence in the parental pair. The tuber yield measured per plant was lower in all cases for primary tubers at narrower plant distance and for secondary tubers at T2 plant distance was also reduced by about half. Significantly different results in the amount of primary tubers harvested as a result of narrower plant distances were obtained for three (C103, C107, C20) genotypes, and for two (C103, C20) genotypes when examining the secondary tubers. The fractional distribution in the number of primary tubers was positively influenced by plant distance in genotypes C103 (2nd fraction), C20 (3rd fraction), while C107 (3rd fraction) and C11 (3rd fraction) genotypes showed a slightly decrease. The emergence dynamics of the examined secondary tubers depended to a large extent on the characteristics of the genotype, however, the plant distance and fractionation also had a decisive influence. 50% of emergence was measured at the earliest for the C11, the latest for the C107 genotype (DAP 43. and 79.). The plants growing in a narrower plant distance, the 50% emergence ratio and the maximum emergence were generally reached 4–11days later than the plant grown under normal conditions. In the measurements of leaf height, fresh leaf weight, chlorophyll-a, -b and total chlorophyll content, according to genotype and plant number, the values of the C103 parent line and the C20 breeding line were in most cases significantly higher compared to the other two genotypes. As a result of the narrow number of plants, the tuber weight per unit area was significantly reduced in the observed parent (C103, a: 371.97 g/m2; C107, bc: 61.73 g/m2) and breeding lines (C20, b: 97.28 g/m2; C11, c: 2.13 g/m2). The higher number of seedlings and fractional planting resulted in significantly lower values in the weight of secondary tubers for genotypes C103 and C20, and when examining the distribution between fractions, we measured a statistically measurable difference for these two genotypes as well. Our results provide a good basis for learning the development processes of the potato genotypes included in the study and for the creation of breeding lines adapted to the extreme weather conditions of today, for the development of cultivation technology and seed production methods applicable to their specific characteristics.

• Dry matter incorporation and water loss dynamics of different FAO maize hybrids

  79-102

  Endre Harsányi

  Zsuzsa Erdős

  János Nagy

  Views:

  131

  Based on the results of our field experiments, we evaluated the most important values and parameters of four different FAO maize hybrids. For the evaluation of the performance and quality of the hybrids, we used the useful heat sum (HU) values for the developmental stages as a novel approach.
  For each of the four different FAO hybrids, we investigated in a novel and unique way the useful heat sum requirement of maize hybrids in the most important phenophases preceding dry matter incorporation and water loss dynamics. We also recorded the number of days from emergence at each phenophase, allowing comparison with literature data. Dry matter incorporation was assessed at R2, R4 (wax maturity) and physiological maturity, and at harvest. The dry matter incorporation dynamics study was started on 31/07/2023 for the four different FAO hybrids to meet the requirement of a reliable comparison.
  The reliable sampling data allowed the analysis of the water release dynamics in the light of thermal energy use. Three water discharge intervals were evaluated between the four sampling dates.
  The yields of four maize hybrids with different FAO numbers were significantly different. The highest yields were obtained by the hybrid with excellent ability FAO 480 (19.53 t/ha).
  In all cases, the grain moisture content at harvest of the maize hybrids tested was closely related to the length of the growing season. The grain moisture content of the hybrids differed significantly at harvest.
  Starch content was closely related to yield, with the FAO 480 hybrid having the highest yield and starch content, while the FAO 350 hybrid had the lowest yield and starch content. Specific protein content showed a strong inverse correlation with yield. The FAO 350 hybrid had the lowest yield (13.62 t/ha) and the highest protein content (7.69%), while the FAO 480 hybrid had the highest yield (19.53 t/ha) and the lowest protein content (5.78%). In all cases, the oil content of the maize hybrids tested showed a strong correlation with yield. The oil contents of the hybrids were significantly different.
  The new research results suggest a strong correlation between oil synthesis and yield per hectare, but further field experiments and laboratory tests are needed to confirm this.

• Evaluation of smart parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with different genotypes

  5-32

  Ágota Lovász

  János Nagy

  Views:

  162

  In the 2024 growing season, I examined the smart parameters of five different genotypes of maize hybrids within the framework of a long-term field experiment. The research focused on the germination dynamics, dry matter accumulation in relation to the useful heat units, and the analysis of individual NDVI and SPAD values of the plants.
  The cooling that occurred during the two weeks following sowing posed challenges for the hybrids, yet the adaptive strategies of the different genotypes were clearly observable. The dynamics of germination and the rate of dry matter accumulation highlighted the diversity among the genotypes, offering significant potential in terms of yield and harvest timing.
  The Kabanero hybrid performed exceptionally well, emerging the earliest and reaching the highest final dry matter content. The Synopsis hybrid showed dynamic adaptation: although its initial germination was slower, it later accelerated, resulting in balanced dry matter accumulation. Dueling hybrid exhibited the most equal germination and the highest number of emerged plants, coupled with a continuous increase in dry matter content, leading to stable growth. Indem1012 hybrid was sensitive to the drop in temperature, resulting in delayed germination, yet it still achieved significant dry matter accumulation. Kabaretto hybrid emergence equal and although it maintained a lower dry matter content until physiological maturity, it produced the highest average yield, demonstrating its excellent yield potential.
  NDVI analysis revealed that all hybrids reached their highest values during the V12 phenological stage, reflecting healthy plant development. The SPAD value analysis showed similar patterns for the Kabanero, Synopsis, and Dueling hybrids, with peak values measured at the V12, silking, and R4 stages. In the Indem1012 and Kabaretto hybrids, high SPAD values were recorded during the V12 stage, followed by a decrease during silking, and a subsequent increase at the R4 stage, indicating the hybrids' adaptability.
  Overall, the diverse performance of the studied maize hybrids provided valuable insights into the relationships between germination dynamics, dry matter accumulation, and physiological development, highlighting the potential inherent in genetic diversity.

• Evaluation of the yield components, NDVI values, and water release dynamics of maize hybrids (Zea mays L.)

  77-96

  Hella Kalina

  Attila Kristó

  Views:

  3

  Adapting 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.

• Evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) parameters in different phenophases as a function of heat sums in irrigated production

  85-103

  Hella Kalina

  János Nagy

  Views:

  231

  In 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.

• Analysis of dry matter, nitrogen and calcium incorporation dynamics in Honey sweet maize (Zea mays L. convar. saccharata Koern) hybrids

  21-35

  Zsuzsanna Bakos

  Abakir Abdalla Rania Alrasheed

  Árpád Illés

  János Nagy

  Views:

  122

  The cultivation of sweet maize is of great importance in Hungary. Hungary is the largest producer on the European continent and the second largest exporter in the world after the United States. The average annual production of Hungarian sweet maize, which is in demand all over the world, reaches 500,000 tonnes as a result of the properly selected precision cultivation technology. Yields of sweet maize are above average in precision farming, with nearly 70% of the area irrigated.
  An important factor in the exceptional nature of the drought of 2022 was the lack of rainfall in the previous winter half-year, which was not sufficient to replenish the deeper layers of the soil. April was still average in terms of rainfall, but thereafter a very significant rainfall deficit developed. A total of 66 mm of rain fell in the three summer months. The water shortage and its adverse effects were exacerbated by significantly higher than normal temperatures between May and August. The water deficit was compensated for during the growing season by precision drip irrigation, with 344 mm of water being applied. In particular, the summer months were much warmer than the long-term average, with positive temperature differences of 3.4 °C, 2.4 °C and 2.9 °C respectively. The best indicator of sweet maize yields is dry matter incorporation dynamics.
  Based on the results measured during the phenophase, it was found that the growing season can be divided into three dominant intervals. The Honey maize hybrid produced 18% dry matter in the first stage, from emergence to the juvenile stage, and an additional 4% from the juvenile stage to silking. The intensive stage of dry matter incorporation lasted from silking to the R3 phenophase (harvest), with a total of 72%. Continuous knowledge of the grain moisture content of sweet maize is an important indicator for operational efficiency. Our research showed that, at the R3 phenophase, the moisture contents of plant parts were closely correlated, with the grain moisture content being the highest. Our research results demonstrated that dry matter gain from silking to the R3 (harvest) phase is very intensive, with a total heat requirement of 840 HU for the examined hybrid.