Evaluation of Timing of Nitrogen Application in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown on Coarse Loamy Typic Haplustepts Soil of Punjab: A Review

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a species of Zea mays plant in the Poaceae family, the origin of maize is Mexico, where many diverse types of maize are found. The discovery of fossil maize pollen with other archaeological evidence in Mexico indicates Mexico to be the native of maize. Maize is widely grown all over the world. In 2014, the total world production was 1.04 billion tonnes. The maize plant can grow up to 3m (10 ft) in heights. Although some natural strains can reach a height of 13meters, the stem is typically made up of 20 internodes of 18 cm (7 in) length. The leaves sprout from the nodes and grow alternately on opposing sides of the stem, with complete edges. The stem's tip is capped with a tassel, which is an inflorescence of male flowers. When the tassel matures and the circumstances are warm and dry enough, the anthers on the tassel dehisce and release pollen. Maize pollen is anemophilous (dispersed by wind), and because of its high settling velocity, the majority of pollen falls within a few metres of the tassel. Every year, maize reproduces sexually. This randomly picks half of the genes from a particular plant to propagate to the next generation, which means that beneficial crop qualities (such as high yield or good nutrition) may be lost in the following generations unless specific strategies are utilised. In genetically modified (GM), maize was one of 26 GM crops produced commercially. Nano-fertilizer technology is meant to distribute nutrients in a controlled manner in response to crop needs, allowing nutrient usage efficiency to be enhanced without negative consequences. Maize was used as a model system to evaluate Nitrogen Nano-fertilizer formulations. Nanourea treatment consistently outperformed conventional urea in terms of growth, yield, quality, and nutrient absorption.