Incidence of stalk rots in corn hybrids influenced by sowing time and nitrogen rates

Abstract

Stalk rots compromise the translocation of water and nutrients, affecting grain filling. This study aimed to quantify the incidence of stalk rots in corn hybrids depending on sowing time and nitrogen topdressing rate, and to assess any correlation with grain yield. The experiment was conducted under field conditions in Atalanta, Santa Catarina state, Brazil, using a split-split-plot randomized block design. The hybrids AG 9025 PRO3 (super-early) and 30F53 VYH (early) were sown in the preferential (September 20) and late (December 5) sowing seasons with four nitrogen rates (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg•ha-1). The population density was 75,000 plants•ha-1 and the nitrogen topdressing was carried out at the V4, V8, and V12 stages.