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Comparative assessment of the yield parameters of KWS maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids
7-20Views:36Breeding 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. -
Analysis of the effect of agrotechnical parameters and crop year on maize (Zea mays L.) yield using polyfactorial yield trial data
77-100Views:42Field crop production is of paramount importance, the fundamental basis of food production and the source of our livelihood. Maize is one of the world's most important crops, essential for both food and energy security. The research was carried out in Hungary, at the University of Debrecen's Látókép Experimental Site, on calcareous chernozem soil in a complex tillage experiment, set up in 1989 by Prof. Dr. János Nagy. The analysis of the examined years (2015–2023) was carried out in a similar way as in the research of Gombos and Nagy (2019, 2022, 2023, 2024), i.e. we examined the deviation of the total precipitation and mean annual temperature of the given year from the 30-year (1981–2010) site average. RStudio and repeated measures model and LSD post hoc test are used to analyse the maize yield data.
Of the nine years studied, 2015 was the year with the third lowest significant maize yield (7.94 t/ha). The subsequent year 2016 yielded the second highest significant maize yield of the studied period (11.39 t/ha), The 2017 yield (8.64 t/ha) was significantly lower than the preceding year, while 2018 was more favourable for maize (9.18 t/ha). The 2019 harvest produced the statistically third highest maize yield (9.42 t/ha) in the studied period. The yield of 2020 (9.24 t/ha) was not significantly different from that of 2018, but was statistically different from all other years. The yield of maize in the unfavourable year 2021 (7.05 t/ha) was statistically the second lowest in the studied period. Of the nine studied years, the most unfavourable year for maize was the record drought year of 2022, when a yield of 2.52 t/ha was observed. The following year, 2023, recorded the highest maize yield of the studied period, 11.97 t/ha. The greatest impact on maize yield was exerted by the crop year with 73.5%, followed by fertilisation with 24.7%. The effect of tillage was 1%, because the different base crops performed differently depending on the crop year, thus neutralising the effect. -
Smart parameter analysis of maize hybrids with different FAO numbers (Zea mays L.)
5-20Views:40Maize is a heat-intensive crop and requires a lot of water. Rainfall is the main meteorological factor determining the yield, and water scarcity is the biggest problem in maize production. When the growing season is dry and temperatures are above average, soil drought typically develops in the summer. The dry autumn-winter period preceding the growing season increases the risk of drought. In our research, we studied five different FAO maize genotypes using intensive cultivation techniques, determining the yields that can be obtained and the main yield parameters that determine the yields and the relationships between them. In our experiment, all five maize hybrids showed excellent yield performance. The highest yield was obtained by hybrid H11 (18.4 t/ha), which exceeded the values of the other tested hybrids by about 5.7–22.8%. Significant differences were measured between the individual grain weight values of the hybrids. Hybrid H13 stood out with the highest individual grain weight value, exceeding the other genotypes by 1.6–25.9%. Based on the correlation analysis between the individual parameters, we demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation of individual grain weight with individual grain number values (r=0.568) and also with grain moisture at harvest (r=0.592). Our results indicate that each of the measured individual yield parameters contribute differently to high yield, resulting in significant effects. -
Analysis of individual parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids in irrigated long-term field experiment
49-83Views:12The sustainable development of crop production is one of today's most important agronomic challenges. Modern technologies such as precision farming, including nutrient management and irrigation strategies, play a key role in optimising yields and ensuring sustainability. In an experiment set up at the DE AKIT DTTI Látókép Crop Production Experiment Site, we investigated the phenometric (leaf area index, development dynamics), physiological (relative chlorophyll content, NDVI value, water release dynamics) and yield parameters (yield, individual ear and kernel weight, individual kernel number, thousand kernel weight, protein, oil, starch and grain moisture content). Based on the evaluation of yield, it was found that the highest yield (20.95 t/ha) was obtained by the mid-ripening FAO 390 hybrid, significantly higher than the yield of the other examined hybrids. Altogether, it was found that there were significant, in many cases statistically significant, differences in the phenometric, physiological and yield parameters studied between maize hybrids of different maturity, allowing for a precise differentiation of the main traits of each hybrid. -
Examination of drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.)
43-46Views:17The 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. -
Impact of different tillage systems on the yield parameters, protein, carbohydrate and oil content of different genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids
37-57Views:39The aim of our research is to investigate the effect of different tillage systems on maize parameters (yield, grain moisture content at harvest) and on the nutritional value parameters (starch, protein, oil content). The ploughing primary tillage of maize was compared with the tillage practices (disc tillage, straight knife tillage, strip tillage) that are beneficial for soil structure conservation. The study was carried out in two different crop years with two different rainfall distributions, 2020 and 2021, on mid-heavy meadow chernozem soil in the outskirts of Nádudvar, in a mesoparcel experiment with three hybrids of different maturity (FAO 380, FAO 420, FAO 490).
In 2020, pre-sowing rainfall was low in March and April, only 23% and 39% of the multi-year average, which did not favour spring-sown crops, including maize. In June and July, on the other hand, rainfall was 256% and 217% of the multi-year average. In April, only 52% of the multi-year average fell, while in May it was 144% of the multi-year average. The year as a whole was extremely dry compared to the multi-year average, especially in June and July, when rainfall was only 14% and 69% of the multi-year average, respectively.
The impact of the tillage method on yields was significant in both examined years. In 2020, the yield of ploughing (15.84 t ha-1) was higher than both strip and conservation tillage. In 2021, ploughing was also the highest (5.46 t ha-1), higher than all other tillage methods, but 10.37 t ha-1 lower than in 2020.
In 2020 and 2021, the ranking of hybrids by yield was different. The best yield in 2020 was achieved by the FAO 490 hybrid (16.18 t ha-1), significantly higher than the other two hybrids. In the dry season, the FAO 420 hybrid was able to achieve the highest yield (4.33 t ha-1). Content value analysis of maize grains showed different results in the two crop years. In 2020, the oil content was significantly higher in the reduced tillage of the four tillage methods, with no real difference in the other methods. The analysis of starch content showed no significant difference between ploughing, conservation tillage and strip tillage, and no measurable difference between reduced and strip tillage. The protein content in 2021 showed a difference, with ploughing and conservation tillage demonstrably lower than reduced tillage. Compared to 2020, protein content increased from 6% to 8% in 2021. There was also a significant difference in starch content, with 66% in 2020 and 62% in 2021. -
Effect of the year on yield, grain moisture, and quality parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) (2020–2023)
51-68Views:41Maize (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. -
Effect of maize (Zea mays L.) emergence dynamics on yield
97-112Views:39Recently, 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. -
Comparative evaluation of yield results and generative parameters of maize hybrids (2025)
21-44Views:22There were significant differences in yield and morphology among the maize hybrids included in the experiment based on the 2025 growing season. The H6 hybrid proved to be the best performing genotype, excelling in terms of yield (21.20 t/ha), individual grain weight (258.19 g), number of kernels, and thousand kernel weight (488.72 g), and achieved significantly better results than the other hybrids in several traits. The H3 hybrid also showed high yield potential (19.36 t/ha) and resulted in high grain weight and favorable SPAD values, proving to be the second most productive genotype. The H5, H4, and H2 hybrids can be classified as normal performers, producing stable but more moderate yield levels and grain weight, but there were significant differences in yield among these hybrids. SPAD values and NDVI values showed clear differences between the hybrids. The H4, H3, and H5 hybrids achieved outstanding SPAD values during the vegetative stage, indicating rapid initial development, while the H6 and H2 hybrids showed balanced SPAD dynamics throughout the entire growing season. Based on NDVI values, the H2 and H5 hybrids proved to be the most stable in the generative stage, indicating their good stress tolerance. Overall, the study showed that yield is influenced by grain weight, grain number, and plant condition indicators, and that the H6 and H3 hybrids represent outstanding agronomic value based on several parameters. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that different genotypes responded differently to the agrometeorological effects present during the unfavorable growing season of 2025, even with the use of drip irrigation. -
Dry matter incorporation and water loss dynamics of different FAO maize hybrids
79-102Views:43Based 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. -
Correlation between quality and quantity of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in different crop years
103-118Views:20Winter wheat is one of the most popular arable crops in Hungary and worldwide. Its cultivation dates back thousands of years and it is one of the most versatile crops. Its most important role lies in human nutrition, as it is an important staple food for mankind. The global population boom has led to an increasing demand for food raw materials of sufficient quantity and quality. The most important quality parameters for winter wheat are protein content, gluten content, gluten content, starch content and Zeleny index.
In this comparative genotype experiment, the quality parameters and the relationship between the quantity and quality of winter wheat of different genotypes were investigated in two different rainfall years: a drought year (2021/2022) and a rainfall year (2022/2023). The obtained results show that in the rainy year, the genotypes had significantly higher yield averages and on average higher values for moisture and protein content. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the quantity and quality of yield for each genotype in both growing seasons and averaged over the two growing seasons. It was found that quality parameters were negatively correlated with yield quantity when averaged over the two examined years and genotypes. -
Evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) parameters in different phenophases as a function of heat sums in irrigated production
85-103Views:22In 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 physiological and yield parameters of smart maize hybrids in an intensive drip irrigation long-term experiment in the growing year 2024
5-24Views:22The 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. -
Analysing the smart parameters of maize hybrids
21-36Views:42In 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:14In 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%. -
Evaluation of the yield parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids of different FAO numbers in an irrigated crop stand
69-84Views:40Five 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. -
Impact of different production techniques with different intensities on the on the quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
93-108Views:16Interactive effects of crop models, crop rotation and fertiliser application on the quality parameters of winter wheat grain yield in a long-term experiment on calcareous chernozem soil in the growing season of 2023. The results of our research showed that different intensity of technological models (different fungicide use, foliar fertilisers and growth regulators) had no or only partial (tri-culture) significant effects on the quality parameters (protein, starch, dry and wet gluten content, Zeleny index, grain hardness) of wheat. Protein and starch content showed a negative correlation. Higher values of protein, dry and wet gluten, Zeleny index and grain hardness were measured in the tri-culture rotation than in the biculture rotation. Of the quality indicators, only starch content was higher in biculture. The highest significant effect of fertilisation on the quality parameters was observed. The protein, dry and wet gluten contents increased with increasing fertiliser rates in the intervals 7.58–13.42%, 4.48–11.32%, 12.06–31.10% in biculture and 7.93–14.41%, 5.45–12.85% and 13.86–34.79% in triculture, respectively. In biculture, in the N200+PK (highest) fertiliser treatment, the wet gluten content reached the milling category I (31.13–32.10%), which is of good quality, while in triculture, the milling category I (31.22–32.62%) was already reached in the N100+PK fertiliser treatment, and in the N200+PK treatment, these values (34.55–34.79%) were in the premium quality category. In triculture crop rotation, protein, dry and wet gluten contents were significantly increased in the control (without fertiliser and foliar fertiliser) treatment due to the physiological activating effects of foliar fertilisers when super intensive technology was applied. Zeleny index and grain hardness values were lower in biculture (4.66–34.51 ml and 10.9–86.1, respectively) than in triculture (12.86–39.61 ml and 29.0–93.1, respectively), and significantly increased with fertiliser application in both rotations. -
Evaluation of smart parameters of FAO 520 maize hybrid (Zea mays L.) in drip irrigation long-term experiments
65-79Views:37Climate 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%. -
Response of Szeged winter wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) to drought stress
63-78Views:16In our experiments, we aimed to identify which cultivars from the applied breeding program have favorable drought stress resistance properties. The experiments described in this paper were conducted under field conditions from 2013 to 2022, using the automatic rain shelter system of our institute, as well as the adjacent control treatments. Twelve Szeged wheat cultivars and one drought-tolerant control cultivar, Plainsman V., were compared for their response to drought stress based on three agronomically important parameters (heading time, plant height and yield). The effect of water deprivation was most pronounced on yield, with an average yield depression of 31% observed in the tested cultivars. Heading time and plant height were not as sensitive to water deprivation, but significant differences were observed in some cultivars based on these parameters as well. In some cases, considerable deviations were observed in positive and negative directions from the average values among the tested cultivars. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded which cultivars are suitable for cultivation in drought-prone areas, can be used for further detailed research on the effects of drought stress, and can serve as a breeding material for drought tolerance. -
Evaluation of smart parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with different genotypes
5-32Views:45In 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. -
Possibilities for reducing drought stress in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) through various foliar treatments
57-80Views:19Abiotic stress factors, especially drought and heat stress, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, pose significant challenges to potato production. The aim of this research was to examine the effects of different irrigation schemes and foliar treatments – salicylic acid, silicon, hydrogen peroxide, and microelements – on the physiological parameters, yield, and quality characteristics of potatoes under drought conditions. In a field experiment conducted in Sonkád (Hungary) during the 2024 growing season, a medium-late Manitou variety was used. During the study, two irrigation doses and four types of foliar treatments were tested in a split-plot design. Based on the results, full and 50% irrigation significantly increased stomatal conductance, NDVI, leaf area index, and yield. Among the foliar treatments, silicon and hydrogen peroxide had a positive effect on relative chlorophyll content and NDVI, but did not result in a significant increase in yield. Treatments with salicylic acid, microcomplex, silicon, and the total dose significantly increased starch content, while the application of silicon increased the amount of reducing sugar content. The results of the first year of experiments indicate that foliar treatments applied without irrigation can only occasionally mitigate the negative physiological effects of water deficiency, but irrigation is essential to achieve significant improvements in yield and quality. The research may contribute to technological developments aimed at increasing drought tolerance in potato production, but further experiments are needed. -
Comparative analysis of SPAD, NDVI, phenological and generative parameters of maize hybrids (Zea mays L.)
5-22Views:10Maize 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. -
Harvest time evaluation of sweet maize (Zea mays L. convar. saccharata Koern) hybrids based on dry matter and sucrose yield dynamics
53-68Views:40Hungarian 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. -
Analysis of the yield parameters of super sweet maize (Zea mays L. convar saccharata Koern) in different crop years under irrigation
29-46Views:39The success of sweet maize production is mainly determined by the significant variation in the effects of the crop year. In Hungary, a large number of drought periods justify the use of irrigation. Without irrigation, cultivation is risky, and in a severely drought year, even the return on costs is uncertain. Our tests were carried out in three different years (2020, 2021, 2022). In the growing season (May-August), the rainfall was 138 mm more in 2020, 65 mm less in 2021 and 140 mm less in 2022 compared to the long-term average. The water requirements of sweet maize were met by drip irrigation throughout the period. Based on the experimental results, compared to the yield of 11,359 t/ha in the extreme dry year of 2022, the yield was 5,828 t/ha higher in 2020 and 7,127 t/ha higher in 2021. Based on the results of the scientific research, it has been concluded that sweet maize production without irrigation is risky, but in extreme drought years irrigation cannot fully compensate for the weather effect due to high heat stress. -
The effect of foliar fertilisation on the production technology of maize (Zea mays L.) in the crop years 2021–2022
19-32Views:45Since 1983, long-term field experiments have been carried out at the University of Debrecen's Látókép Experiment Site, where our research was also carried out. In the years 2021–2022, we examined the efficiency of biological foliar fertilisers under precision drip irrigation. Maize stands were treated at the 7–8-leaf stage with foliar sprays of Natur Plasma T biostimulant, Natur Active complex foliar fertiliser, and Zinc and Sulphur Mono additives. The applied foliar fertiliser treatments resulted in yield gains in both years. The use of these microbiological preparations allows rapid and efficient nutrient incorporation during the vegetative and generative cycles. During the growing season, important parameters of maize hybrids (SPAD, NDVI) were measured at critical phenophases (12-leaf stage, silking, physiological maturity). The obtained results showed that the incorporation of foliar fertilisers and biostimulants into agrotechnology improved the strength of maize stands and resulted in additional yield gains over and above the base fertilisation.
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