Effect of foliar fertilization on grain yield formation in corn (Zea mays)

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study was to identify patternsin the effect of foliar fertilization with the micronutrient fertilizersBraman Multicomplex and Aminocat 30 on the formationof yield structure elements and the overall productivityof the corn hybrid DKS 4391 under different applicationschemes in the conditions of Poltava region.Methods. Field experiments were conducted in2023–2025 under farm conditions using standard corn cultivationtechnology. The object of the study was the mid-seasonhybrid DKS 4391 (FAO 350). The study involved the examinationof seven variants of foliar feeding, including single anddouble applications of micronutrients in the 3–5 and 7–8 leaf stages. The preparations used were Braman Multicomplex(an organo-mineral fertilizer with a complex of macro- andmicroelements) and Aminocat 30 (a biostimulant with a highcontent of free L-amino acids). The following indicators weredetermined: number of ears per plant, ear weight, grainweight per ear, grain yield, number of grains, weight of 1000grains, and total yield. Yield was determined on the basis ofcontinuous accounting with conversion to standard moisturecontent. Statistical processing of the results was carried outusing dispersion and correlation analysis.Results. A positive effect of foliar feeding on the formationof structural elements of the crop and the productivityof corn hybrids has been established. A single applicationof Braman Multicomplex in the 3–5 leaf stage increasedyield by 2.88 %, and its combination with Aminocat 30increased yield by 3.48 %. The effectiveness of late applicationwas slightly lower, but the addition of a biostimulantincreased the result to 4.74 %. The highest yield (9.05 t/ha)was recorded in the variant with two applications of BramanMulticomplex and Aminocat 30, which provided an increaseof 8.51 % compared to the control. In addition, an increasein the number of grains, cob weight, and 1000-grain weightwas observed, confirming the improvement in grain quality.The high efficiency of fertilizers under stressful conditions(2024) indicates their compensatory effect in conditions ofreduced moisture supply.Conclusions. The use of foliar feeding with microfertilizersBraman Multicomplex and Aminocat 30 during theactive growth phases of corn has a positive effect on thestructural elements of the crop and the overall productivityof the crop. The most expedient is the combined twotimeapplication of these preparations, which allows for amore complete realization of the biological potential of cornhybrids and increases their adaptability to adverse weatherconditions. The results obtained can be used to improvetechnological maps for corn cultivation in the forest-steppezone of Ukraine.