Vol. 8, Issue 11, Part C (2024)

A field experiment was carried out during the summer of 2023 at the Eastern Block Farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to evaluate the effects of nano-silica foliar application on the growth and yield of sweetcorn (Zea mays L. saccharata). The experiment followed a factorial randomized block design with three replications, considering two main factors: sweetcorn growth stages and nano-silica concentrations. Control plots, with no nano-silica treatment, were included in each block for comparison. At 30 DAS, the tallest plants were recorded when nano-silica was applied at the vegetative stage (S₁) with a concentration of 500 ppm (C₅), although the height differences were not statistically significant. By 60 DAS and harvest, the tallest plants were observed when nano-silica was applied during the tassel initiation stage (S₂) compared to foliar application of nano-silica at vegetative stage (S₁) and grain filling stage (S₃). Among the varied levels of nano-silica concentrations 500 ppm, showed significant improvements. Stem girth followed a similar pattern, with the highest values at S₁ and a notable increase at 500 ppm. The average number of functional leaves was significantly higher in the tassel initiation stage (S₂), and the 500 ppm treatment outperformed other concentrations. The Leaf Area Index (LAI) was significantly greater at 60 DAS and at harvest for plants treated during S₂ with 500 ppm. Similarly, the Crop Growth Rate (CGR) was highest between 30 and 60 DAS for S₂, with 500 ppm yielding the best results, though 400 ppm (C₄) produced comparable values. Dry matter production (DMP) at harvest was also maximized in S₂, with 500 ppm proving to be the most effective concentration over 100, 200, and 300 ppm treatments. In terms of yield, the highest green cob yield was achieved with foliar application at S₂ (19.43 t ha⁻¹) and 500 ppm (20.40 t ha⁻¹), while C₄ also produced a notable yield (19.35 t ha⁻¹). Green stover yield peaked at S₂ (23.17 t ha⁻¹) and 500 ppm (23.86 t ha⁻¹). The study found that foliar application of nano-silica, particularly during the tassel initiation stage and at a concentration of 500 ppm, significantly enhanced sweetcorn growth and yield during the summer season of 2023.