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Sustainable Maize Production by Organic Amendment – A Field Study from Ecuadorian Coast

Sustainable Maize Production by Organic Amendment – A Field Study from Ecuadorian Coast

José J. Cedeño-Díaz1, Caridad A. Torres-García1, Marina García1, Freddy Zambrano-Gavilanes1, Naga Raju Maddela2* and Felipe R. Garcés-Fiallos3*

1Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Facultad de Ingeniería Agronómica, Campus Experimental La Teodomira, Santa Ana EC130105, Ecuador; 2Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo-130105, Ecuador; 3Laboratory of Phytopathology, Experimental Campus La Teodomira, Faculty of Agronomic Engineering, Technical University of Manabi, Santa Ana EC130105, Ecuador

*Correspondence | Dr. Naga Raju Maddela, Ph.D., Professor, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo-130105, Ecuador; Dr. Felipe R. Garcés-Fiallos, Ph.D., Professor, Facultad de Ingeniería Agronómica, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Campus Experimental La Teodomira, Santa Ana EC130105, Ecuador; Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of the application of organic fertilizers such as caster seed cake (Ricinus communis L.), physic nut seed cake (Jatropha curcas L.), and vermicompost on seedlings and adult plants of INIAP H-603 maize under semi- controlled and field conditions at the Pacific coastal Ecuador. Unfertilized and urea-fertilized plants were used as controls in both environments. Under the greenhouse conditions, different phytometric characteristics were evaluated at 21 days after sowing (DAS). In the field conditions, the incidence (%) and severity (%) of Curvularia leaf spot (Curvularia spp.), Diplodia leaf streak (Diplodia sp.), and leaf blight (Bipolaris sp. or Exserohilum sp.), and various phytometric and chemical parameters were evaluated at 63 DAS. Organic amendments did not show significant effects on maize seedlings under in vitro conditions; however, urea only improved the seedling height by 18% (P ≤ 0.01). Physic nut seed cake amendment resulted in the higher increment of chlorophyll (30%) and grain yield (231%) over the control. With respect to the disease resistance, there was a significant decrease of disease incidence (12.5-48%) and severity (34-46.5%) by physic nut seedcake. In addition, there was a strong positive correlation (r 0.869-0.925; P ≤ 0.01) found among the factors of MFC incidence and severity, and MFD incidence and severity. Above results clearly suggested that physic nut seed cake-based fertilizer has potential in improving the maize productivity through higher grain yield and lower disease susceptibility. Use of organic amendments for a sustainable maize cultivation is greatly warranted for improving the farmers economy and protecting the ecosystem in the Pacific Ecuador.

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Sarhad Journal of Agriculture

September

Vol.40, Iss. 3, Pages 680-1101

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