Enhancement of Growth, Inoculation and Yield Production of Corn (Zea mays L.) Hybrids by Using Bio-Fertilizer

Bio-fertilizers are naturally occurring soil bacteria that aggressively colonize plant roots and benefit plants by providing growth promotion. This investigation was aimed at determining the effect of Nitroxin bio-fertilizer application on growth, inoculation and yield production of corn hybrids. An experiment was conducted as split plot on the basis of randomized complete block design with four replications. Main plots were Included: use of the chemical and biological fertilizers in four levels (F1: 100% urea + 0% Nitroxin; F2:75% urea + 100% Nitroxin; F3: 50% urea + 100% Nitroxin; F4: 25% urea + 100% Nitroxin) and the sub plots included three maize hybrids (H1: Single Cross 704 hybrid, H2: Mobin hybrid, H3: Karoun hybrid). Chemical fertilizers used included urea, triple super phosphate and potassium sulphate and Nitroxin as biological fertilizer. The results showed that the highest seed yield and 1000 seed weight was allocated to 50% urea with 100% Nitroxin application. Single cross 704 at the level of 100% chemical fertilizer had the highest number of seeds per ear, number of seeds per row and inoculation percentage. Seed yield had positive and significant correlation with seed number per ear, number of seed per row, seed weight and ear length. Also length of ear without a seed trait had the significant negative correlation by number of seed per row and ear length at 5% probability level, which shows a decrease length of ear without a seed by increasing ear length and seed number per row. Finally application of N fertilizer level at 50% chemical fertilizer + 100% biological fertilizer and Karoun hybrid was recommended.