Plant Growth Analysis of Maize (Zea mays): Impact of Second Paclobutrazol Application Timing

Authors

  • Yusril Syafrizal Edufarmers International Foundation
  • Gendro Indri Wahyuningsih Edufarmers International Foundation
  • Fajarani Ulfah Edufarmers International Foundation
  • Ananta Bayu Pratama Edufarmers International Foundation
  • Cahyo Adileksana Edufarmers International Foundation

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25047/tefa.v2i1.5847

Keywords:

Paclobutrazol, Maize Productivity, Plant Growth Analysis

Abstract

Maize is a vital source of carbohydrates and livestock feed in Indonesia, where domestic demand is rising despite inconsistent productivity. Innovative cultivation methods, such as paclobutrazol (PBZ) application, are being explored to boost maize productivity. PBZ affects maize's growth, with its effectiveness depending on the timing of application. This study was to figure out the optimal timing of PBZ application to improve the synchronization of cob and female flower emergence, thereby maximizing plant growth and yield. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising five treatments: a control and four intervals for the second PBZ application (3, 6, 9, and 12 days after the first application), each replicated three times. Data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significant threshold, succeeded by Tukey’s test. Results showed that the timing of the second PBZ application significantly influenced maize growth and yield. A three-day interval after the first PBZ application produced the highest values in key morphological variables, such as green leaf index and total dry weight. This timing also optimized plant growth metrics, leading to higher maize yield. In conclusion, a three-day interval is recommended for maximizing maize productivity.

References

[1] Magfiroh I.S., Zainuddin A., Setyawati I.K. Maize supply response in Indonesia. Buletin Ilmiah Litbang Perdagangan. 2018;12(1):47–72.

[2] Badan Pusat Statistik Indonesia [BPS-Statistics of Indonesia]. Luas Panen dan Produksi Jagung di Indonesia 2023 [Harvest Area and Maize Production in Indonesia 2023] [Internet]. 2023 Oct [cited 2024 Aug 27]. Available from: https://www.bps.go.id/id/statistics-table/2/MjIwNCMy/luas-panen--produksi--dan-produktivitas-jagung-menurut-provinsi.html

[3] Sabagh A.E.L., Mbarki S., Hossain A., Iqbal M.A., Islam M.S., Raza A., et al. Potential role of plant growth regulators in administering crucial processes against abiotic stresses. Frontiers in Agronomy. 2021;3:648694.

[4] Sajjad Y., Jaskani M.J., Asif M., Qasim M. Application of plant growth regulators in ornamental plants: a review. Pak J Agric Sci. 2017;54(2).

[5] Hajihashemi S., Kiarostami K., Saboora A., Enteshari S. Exogenously applied paclobutrazol modulates growth in salt-stressed wheat plants. Plant Growth Regul. 2007;53:117–28.

[6] Desta B., Amare G. Paclobutrazol as a plant growth regulator. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture. 2021;8:1–15.

[7] Tambajong C.M., Runtunuwu D.S. Pengaruh Interaksi Paclobutrazol dan Tipe Tanam Jajar Legowo pada Produksi Padi Metode Tanam Sri [The Interaction Effect of Paclobutrazol and the Legowo Row Planting System on Rice Production Using the SRI Planting Method]. AGRI-SOSIOEKONOMI. 2016;12(3A):127–34.

[8] Yusran M. Efektivitas Teknologi Aplikasi Paclobutrazol pada Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Kedelai [Effectiveness of Paclobutrazol Application Technology on the Growth and Yield of Soybean]. JURNAL SAINS DAN TEKNOLOGI. 2024;39–47.

[9] Mehmood M.Z., Qadir G., Afzal O., Din A.M.U., Raza M.A., Khan I., et al. Paclobutrazol improves sesame yield by increasing dry matter accumulation and reducing seed shattering under rainfed conditions. Int J Plant Prod. 2021;1–13.

[10] Wei X., Wu S., Liang X., Wang K., Li Y., Li B., et al. Paclobutrazol Modulates Endogenous Level of Phytohormones in Inducing Early Flowering in Camellia tamdaoensis Hakoda et Ninh, a Golden Camellia Species. HortScience horts [Internet]. 2021;56(10):1258–62. Available from: https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/56/10/article-p1258.xml

[11] Kamran M., Wennan S., Ahmad I., Xiangping M., Wenwen C., Xudong Z., et al. Application of paclobutrazol affect maize grain yield by regulating root morphological and physiological characteristics under a semi-arid region. Sci Rep [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Jun 6];8(1):4818. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-23166-z

[12] Kamran M., Ahmad S., Ahmad I., Hussain I., Meng X., Zhang X., et al. Paclobutrazol application favors yield improvement of maize under semiarid regions by delaying leaf senescence and regulating photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant system during grain-filling stage. Agronomy. 2020;10(2):187.

[13] Syahputra B.S.A., Sinniah U.R., Ismail M.R., Swamy M.K. Optimization of paclobutrazol concentration and application time for increased lodging resistance and yield in field-grown rice. Philippine Agricultural Scientist. 2016;99(3):221–8.

[14] Rajput A., Rajput S.S., Jha G. Physiological parameters leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate of different varieties of rice grown under different planting geometries and depths in SRI. Int J Pure Appl Biosci. 2017;5(1):362–7.

[15] Xia X., Tang Y., Wei M., Zhao D. Effect of paclobutrazol application on plant photosynthetic performance and leaf greenness of herbaceous peony. Horticulturae. 2018;4(1):5.

[16] Hidayati N., Triadiati T., Anas I. Photosynthesis and Transpiration Rates of Rice Cultivated Under the System of Rice Intensification and the Effects on Growth and Yield. Hayati. 2016 Jul 1;23.

[17] Rostami M., Koocheki A.R., Mahallati M.N., Kafi M. Evaluation of chlorophyll meter (SPAD) data for prediction of nitrogen status in corn (Zea mays L.). American-Eurasian Journal Agriculture Science. 2008;3(1):79–85.

[18] Santrum M.J., Tokan M.K., Imakulata M.M. Estimasi indeks luas daun dan fotosintesis bersih kanopi hutan mangrove di Pantai Salupu Kecamatan Kupang Barat Kabupaten Kupang. Haumeni Journal of Education. 2021;1(2):38–43.

[19] Silva M. de A., Jifon J.L., Santos C.M. dos, Jadoski C.J., Silva J.A.G da. Photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency in sugarcane genotypes subject to water deficit during early growth phase. Brazilian archives of biology and technology. 2013;56:735–48.

[20] Kariya K., Tsunoda S. Relationships of chlorophyll content, chloroplast area index and leaf photosynthesis rate in Brassica. Tohoku J Agr Res. 1972;23:1–14.

[21] Pandey R., Paul V., Das M., Meena M., Meena R.C. Plant growth analysis. Manual of ICAR Sponsored Training Programme on “Physiological Techniques to Analyze the Impact of Climate Change on Crop Plants. 2017;103–7.

[22] Shah S., Shah Z., Khalaıl S.K., Jan A., Jan M.T., Afzal M., et al. Effects of Variable Nitrogen Source and Rate on Leaf Area Index and Total Dry Matter Accumulation in Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes under Calcareous So. Turkish Journal of Field Crops. 2014;19(2):276–84.

[23] Machado S., Bynum E.D., Archer T.L., Lascano R., Wilson L., Bordovsky J., et al. Spatial and Temporal Variability of Corn Growth and Grain Yield. Crop Science - CROP SCI. 2002 Sep 1;42.

Downloads

Published

2025-01-31

How to Cite

Syafrizal, Y., Wahyuningsih, G. I., Ulfah, F., Pratama, A. B., & Adileksana, C. (2025). Plant Growth Analysis of Maize (Zea mays): Impact of Second Paclobutrazol Application Timing. International Journal of Technology, Food and Agriculture, 2(1), 10–16. https://doi.org/10.25047/tefa.v2i1.5847

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): February (In Progress)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Yusril Syafrizal, Gendro Indri Wahyuningsih, Fajarani Ulfah, Ananta Bayu Pratama, Cahyo Adileksana

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.