Effect of Variety and Nitrogen Levels on Summer Baby Corn (Zea Mays L.): A Review

Abstract

Maize holds the position of the third most significant crop within the cereal category which gives highly nutritional value food and fodder. Baby corn is immature maize which is harvested at 3-4 cm long silk, which is a highly nutritive and delicious vegetable that may be eaten as a natural food source. It offers minerals, vitamins, carbs, protein, fat and sugar in a form that is palatable, nutritious, hygienic and digestible. Baby corn, being a relatively recent introduction to our country, thus needs to have production technology developed, including identification of suitable cultivars and nitrogen dose to realise the higher baby corn yield and financial benefits, before it can be widely adopted by farmers. In Indian soils, nitrogen (N) insufficiency is a widespread problem and correct management is crucial from an environmental and economic standpoint. A combination of optimal nitrogen levels and superior varieties significantly enhances the growth and yield attributes of baby corn. Numerous studies have consistently shown that increasing nitrogen dosage positively impacts baby corn growth, yield parameters and quality characteristics. However economic optimum nitrogen dose may vary on soil and climatic conditions with seasonality. It has been also indicated that the single cross hybrid variety influences growth and yield attributes more than local variety and a location wise interaction between hybrid variety and proper nitrogen level is good strategy which helps to increase yield and more profitable to farmers.