Response of baby corn genotypes to soil and foliar nitrogen application schedule

Responsive genotypes, timing and mode of nitrogen application are important for realizing potential yield of winter baby corn. Soil application of nitrogen is a common practice. Foliar application enhances absorption and utilization of nitrogen particularly after anthesis. We investigated combined approach in management of nitrogen for the first time including soil applications followed by foliar urea spray to enhance baby corn yield and profitability. To determine these, 2-year study conducted with three genotypes and six schedules of recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN). Growth characters, productivity traits, harvest period and yields recorded. Nitrogen content and uptake, protein content and harvest were determined. Genotype HM-4 produced 4.6% and 4.1% more cobs and corn weight over HQPM-1. Combined approach resulted higher yield attributes, yields, N uptake, protein harvest and monetary returns. RDN in 4 splits with more basal (B) dose increased cob and corn yield by 4.8% and 5.1% than 3 splits (50% B). Results suggest that HM-4 be grown using RDN 50% as B, 25% at knee height stage, 20% at tassel emergence followed by 5% foliar spray after first picking as urea solution (3%) for achieving higher yield and net returns. More studies needed under diverse conditions.