The effect of seed pre-sowing treatment and foliar feeding on the yield of maize hybrids

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of maize hybrids of different maturity groups (DBLada, DN Vita, DN Veld), biological preparations for seed pre-sowing treatment (Trichodermin + Mycofrend), and foliar feeding at the 4–6 leaf stage (Rizoaktiv + urea) on grain yield formation under the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted during 2023–2025 on southern chernozem at the Educational, Scientific, and Practical Center of MNAU. The soil of the experimental field contained 2.9–3.1% humus, 20–25 mg/kg available nitrogen, 40–45 mg/kg P₂O₅, and 370–520 mg/kg K₂O. The experiment was three-factorial: factor A – maize hybrids; factor B – seed pre-sowing treatment; factor C – foliar feeding at the 4–6 leaf stage.The total plot area was 80 m², the accounting plot – 50 m², with four replications. Soybean was the predecessor crop.Results. It was found that the grain yield of maize hybrids significantly depended on the studied factors. The use of biological preparations for seed treatment increased productivity by 7–9%, while their combination with foliar feeding provided an increase of 10–12% compared to the control.The most pronounced effect was observed in the hybrid DN Veld (FAO 340), where grain yield reached 9.0–10.3 t/ha depending on weather conditions. Seed treatment with biological preparations in combination with foliar feeding at the 4–6 leaf stage helped stabilize productivity even under the less favorable conditions of 2025, when overall yield levels were lower. Conclusions. The study established that seed pre-sowing treatment with biological preparations combined with foliar feeding at the 4–6 leaf stage is an effective technological element for increasing maize productivity.This system provides a yield increase of 7–12%, depending on the hybrid and weather conditions of the growing season, confirming its scientific and practical relevance for the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. It was determined that in dry years, early-maturing hybrids are more capable of ensuring higher grain yields.