RESPONSE OF VARIOUS MAIZE CULTIVARS TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN AGAINST BIPOLARIS MAYDIS (NISIK) SHOEMAKER UNDER NATURAL EPIPHYTOTIC CONDITIONS

Studies were conducted at the Research Farm of NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar, during 2006 to determine the effect of different levels of nitrogen on various maize cultivars against maize leaf blight caused by Bipolaris maydis (Nisik) Shoemaker. Four maize varieties viz., Pahari, Azam, Jalal 2003 and Sarhad white and four nitrogen levels viz., 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 were tested. Phosphorus and potash fertilizers were applied @ per standard agronomic recommendations. These fertilizers were applied in two split doses (half at sowing and half at first irrigation). The results indicated that Jalal 2003 performed better when applied with NPK dose of 180:60:60 kg he-1, having less disease severity and highest growth parameters. This was followed by Sarhad white. However, the performance of the remaining two varieties was poor in all parameters. So, the local maize variety Jalal 2003 has the potential to resistant maize leaf blight especially, if it is provided NPK in the ratio of 180:60:60 rather than the locally recommended 120:60:60.