Effect of macro nutrients (NPK) on growth characteristics of two commercial variety of corn (Zea maize L.) (KWS2360, Ressuda Pionee) in hydroponic environment

In order to study the effect of macro nutrients on growth characteristics of two corn (Zea maize L.) varieties (KWS2360, Ressuda Pionee), an experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with three replications at growth room of crop physiology Department of Debrecen University. The treatments were nutrient solution free nitrogen (N), nutrient solution free phosphorus (P), nutrient solution free potassium (K), nutrient solution free PK, nutrient solution free PN, nutrient solution free NK, nutrient solution free NPK and nutrient solution with NPK. Root dry weight (RDW), Shoot dry weight (SDW), RDW/SDW, leaf number (LN), leaf area (LA) and chlorophyll content were determined. Results showed that the highest LA (561 cm2), SDW (22 g) were obtained in with NPK treatment and KWS2360 hybrid while Ressuda Pionee in NPK treatment had highest RDW (3.8 g) and LN (5.6). The highest R/S obtained in free NP treatment and KWS2360 hybrid (1.1). The lowest LA (45cm2) and LN (3.0) were obtained in free NK treatment. The lowest RDW (0.12 g) and SDW (0.31g) were obtained in free NPK treatment. The treatment of without NPK and KWS2360 showed the lowest R/S (0.16). Chlorophyll content of each leaf decreased in through time. Slope of curve was higher in without NPK, NK and NP treatment compare to with NPK treatment. Hybrids of corn in with NPK treatment had longer growth period compare to other treatments. KWS2360 hybrid showed better performance under nutrient stress. Overall, it can be said that the balance in the ratio of nutrients plays an important role in increasing the vegetative growth of plants including corn and deficiency of each macro nutrients can be a factor in reducing the growth of this plant.