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*
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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November 2023
Vol. 39, Sp. Iss. 2
