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• Evaluation of smart parameters based on results from maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids of different genotypes

  5-28

  László Hadászi

  Views:

  14

  In 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%.

• Examination of drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.)

  43-46

  Zoltán Futó

  Views:

  17

  The experiments were set up in the foil tent in Szarvas, at the Galambos experimental site belonging to the MATE KÖTI Department of Irrigation Development and Land Improvement. 10 liter white plastic buckets were used as cultivation pot. The diameter of the bucket is 27.5 cm, so the ground surface is 593.6 cm2. The wheat experiment was set up on November 4, 2020, with 3 wheat varieties, at 3 water supply levels (Field Water Capacity „FWC”; FWC40%, FWC60% and FWC80%) in 3 repetitions, in a total of 27 cultivation pots. The maize experiment was set up on April 19, 2021, with 5 maize hybrids, at 3 water supply levels, in 3 repetitions, in a total of 45 cultivation pots.
  In the soil we use, the amount of parts that can be silted is 31.6%, so it is a sandy loam physical type soil, the chemistry is weakly acidic (pHH2O 6.54), based on the total salt content soluble in water, it has a low salt content (salt%<0.1).
  In the experiment, the drought tolerance of 3 different wheat varieties (MV Nemere, GK Szilárd and Sothys) and 5 maize hybrids (GKT 4486 (Lehel), GK SILOSTAR, GKT 372, GKT 376, GKT 3385) was investigated under conditions deprived of natural precipitation.
  The following phenological parameters were measured in the experiment: Relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) with a Konica SPAD 501 instrument, Leaf area (cm2) (CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter), Leaf area index (LAI m2/m2), Plant height (cm), Leaf and stem weight (g), Root weight (g), Ear/Tube weight (g) and yielding parameters.
  In the experiment, all three wheat varieties responded very well to the increase in water content. Total biomass and root mass also increased, but the change from FWC40% to FWC60% was on a larger scale than from FWC60% to FWC80%.
  When examining the amount of grain yield, in the case of the lowest water supply (FWC40%), the most yield was produced by Sothys (34.15 g/cultivation pot; 5.75 t/ha), while the lowest yield was given by Mv Nemere (26.69 g/cultivation pot); 4.50 t/ha). The largest yields were obtained in the case of the best water supply. Sothys produced a very good yield (69.58 g/cultivation pot; 11.72 t/ha) with a water supply of FWC80%, and the lowest yield here was also achieved by MV Nemere (56.70 g/cultivation pot; 9.55 t/ha) with yield.
  The quality test results of the wheat showed that the quality parameters of the three investigated varieties uniformly deteriorated as a result of the increased water supply. The value of the larger amount of available water increases the yields, which negatively affected the quality.
  From the results of the maize experiment, it can be deduced that the chlorophyll content of the maize hybrids was higher with good and average water supply (FWC80% and FWC60%), and that the hybrids remained green longer and photosynthesized longer, that is, the growing time of the maize hybrids was extended with good water supply.
  In dry conditions (FWC40%), the performance of two hybrids was outstanding. Under these conditions, the maize hybrids GKT 372 and GKT 376 gave 65% more cob mass than the hybrids following them. The other important investigated property is the "irrigation reaction" of the hybrids. Based on our tests, GK SILOSTAR is a maize hybrid with a good reaction to irrigation but sensitive to drought, while GKT 376 is a maize hybrid with an excellent reaction to irrigation and also drought tolerance.

• Effect of the year on yield, grain moisture, and quality parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) (2020–2023)

  51-68

  Ágota Lovász

  János Nagy

  Views:

  41

  Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important arable crops in Hungary, whose yield stability and quality have increasingly depended on annual and climatic conditions in recent years. The period between 2020 and 2023 clearly illustrates that variability in temperature and precipitation patterns fundamentally determines yield performance, grain moisture content, and quality parameters. While in 2020 balanced heat and water availability ensured high yields, favorable starch content, and an extended ripening period, in 2022 the extreme drought and record-high temperatures resulted in a drastic yield reduction, low grain moisture, and moderate starch content.
  During critical phenological phases – particularly flowering and grain filling – heat stress and water shortage greatly influenced pollination success, dry matter accumulation, and thus overall crop quality. In unfavorable years, an increase in protein and oil content at the expense of starch was often observed, indicating an inverse relationship between quantitative and qualitative parameters. Although lower grain moisture at harvest can offer technological advantages, rapid water loss may lead to structural damage and an increased risk of mycotoxin contamination.
  The results of the examined period highlight that extreme weather factors caused by climate change—heatwaves, drought periods, and precipitation deficits—not only limit yield potential but also alter quality traits. Therefore, in the future, adapting to year-to-year variations will play a key role: the use of stress-tolerant hybrids, optimization of sowing dates, adoption of water-conserving tillage practices, and targeted irrigation strategies can collectively enhance the stability of maize production under changing agroclimatic conditions.

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

  5-32

  Ágota Lovász

  János Nagy

  Views:

  45

  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.

• Analysis of physiological and yield parameters of smart maize hybrids in an intensive drip irrigation long-term experiment in the growing year 2024

  5-24

  László Hadászi

  Views:

  22

  The yield and plant physiological parameters of different FAO maize hybrids grown over a large area in Hungary were examined under drip irrigation conditions. The results of the study showed that hybrid H4 was the best performing hybrid in terms of yield, specific grain weight, ear weight and thousand kernel weight. Hybrid H6 showed similarly good results, especially in grain number, suggesting that it may also play a role in increasing yield. The medium performance of hybrids H5 and H3 indicates that they are potentially competitive. The trends observed in the analysis of NDVI values provide important information on the growth patterns of the examined hybrids. For hybrid H1, the sharp decline in the second half of the growing season is indicative of the stress situation of the plants. Hybrids H1, H2 and H3 developed under optimal conditions in the V12 phenological phase, but could not maintain the early growth stage in the later phases. In contrast, hybrid H4, which had a longer growing season, was able to maintain its vegetative activity after the V12 phase. When SPAD values were examined, the H1, H5 and H6 hybrids maintained growth until the V12 phase, then declined after the R4 phase. Hybrid H4 showed the highest SPAD values in the R5 phase, while hybrids H1, H5 and H6 showed more stable SPAD values, but decreased in the later phases. Overall, the outstanding performance of hybrids H4 and H6 suggests that these hybrids should be preferred in intensive production environments with good yield potential.

• Comparative analysis of SPAD, NDVI, phenological and generative parameters of maize hybrids (Zea mays L.)

  5-22

  Ibtissem Balaout

  Annabella Zelenák

  Adrienn Széles

  Views:

  10

  Maize 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.

• The importance of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) and triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) in biological soil conservation on Nyírség region

  33-52

  Edit Kosztyuné Krajnyák

  Béla Szabó

  Judit Csabai

  Csilla Tóth

  Katalin Irinyiné Oláh

  Sándor Vágvölgyi

  Péter Pepó

  Views:

  16

  Today, soil degradation caused by industrial crop production has reached a level that has made it clear that arable farming based on this method cannot be continued in the long term and is therefore unsustainable. Soil compaction reduced organic matter content and pH, and severe losses in soil life have combined to create a need for sustainable land use.
  Leguminous crops, whose species characteristics and agronomic values allow their incorporation into sand farming, are of great importance for the environmentally friendly utilisation of the acidic sandy soils of Nyírség. They are the essential technological elements of sustainable land use, biological soil protection and organic plant nutrition.
  Of the legume cultivars that can be grown on acidic sandy soils, the hairy vetch is of outstanding importance, which is also grown as a source of green manure, green fodder and seed, in Hungary, for more than a hundred years. Among the cereals, triticale has made inroads not only in cereal fields but also in acidic sandy soils. Thanks to the high level of triticale breeding, excellent varieties have been produced which have quickly taken the place of rye in the acid sandy soils of the Nyírség.
  Our experiment was set up in the Demonstration Garden of the University of Nyíregyháza in 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. The aim of our observation was to investigate the plant height, root length, and number of Rhizobium root-nodules on the main and lateral roots of hairy vetch and the plant height and root length of triticale in a with different sowing dates, in six replicates, at three different measurement/evaluation times.
  From our experimental results it can be stated that the morphological parameters of the hairy vetch sown at different times showed significant differences in the phenological stages we examined. Knowledge of these differences is important from an agronomic point of view because the dynamics of vegetative biomass formation can be deduced from them. In case of the sowing was in September, a clearly visible plant cover emerges on the surface of the soil, and a large number of root nodules develop on the main and lateral roots of the early adult plants. The hairy vetch, grown for green manure, protects and enriches the soil with nitrogen at this time of sowing. The formation of vegetative biomass (green mass) is also the highest at this sowing date, which is also important in the production of mixed green fodder. In the case of later sowing dates, the number of green masses, root mass and Rhizobium nodules formed until harvest also decreases.
  According to the obtained test results, the soil protection effect of triticale is already apparent in autumn, and the earliest sowing gives the best soil covering effect. The use of triticale is becoming increasingly important in sustainable soil management.