Grain quality formation of DEKALB maize hybrids depending on plant density and foliar application of micronutrients
Abstract
Purpose. To investigate the effect of plant density and foliar application of micronutrients on the crude protein content in the grain of DEKALB maize hybrids of different FAO maturity groups under the soil and climatic conditions of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Field method – for the establishment and conduct of the experiment; laboratory method – for determining crude protein content in the grain (Kjeldahl method); mathematical and statistical methods – for processing and interpreting the results. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Office Excel andthe Agrostat software package. The reliability of the results was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the least significant difference (LSD05) test. Results. The crude protein content in maize grain significantly depended on a combination of agrobiological and weather factors. It was established that the weather conditions of the growing season had a decisive influence: the highest protein levels were recorded in 2023, when moderate water deficit enhanced the synthesis of protein compounds in the grain. In contrast, during the drought year of 2024, pronounced hydrothermal stress during the critical phases of organogenesis led to a decrease in crude protein content, particularly in hybrids with lower stress tolerance. Among the studied hybrids, DKC 4391 (FAO 350) exhibited the highest and most stable crude protein content, indicating its strong genetic potential for protein accumulation even under variable moisture conditions. The optimal plant density for achieving a high protein potential was found to be 75–80 thousand plants/ha. Excessively low or high plant populations reduced photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake due to unbalanced competition or inefficient use of the available rooting space, thus negatively affecting grain quality. A positive effect of foliar application of micronutrients on the accumulation of crude protein in maize grain was established. The use of Amino Ultra Maize resulted in the greatest increase in protein content compared to the control, especially under moderate water deficit, highlighting the effectiveness of amino acid-based micronutrient fertilizers in maize production technologies. Conclusions. The results substantiate the close interaction between agro-cli- matic conditions, hybrid genetics, plant spatial distribution in the field, and foliar fertilization in determining the protein composition of maize grain. The hybrid DKC 4391 (FAO350) achieved the highest crude protein content under the optimal plant density of 75–80 thousand plants/ha. The use of micronutrient fertilizers, particularly Amino Ultra Maize, proved to be an effective measure to improve this indicator.The obtained findings may serve as a basis for developing adaptive agronomic technologies to ensure stable grain quality under conditions of climate change and fluctuating water availability.
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