Performance of Sweetcorn (Zea mays L. var. ‘Sweet Pearl F1’) Applied with different Rates of Vermicompost

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of different rates of vermicompost as a substitute for inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of sweetcorn (Zea mays L. var. ‘Sweet Pearl F1’). This study was conducted employing the Randomized Complete Block Design in three blocks. Treatments consisted of varying vermicompost (0%, 25%, 50% and 75%) applied to sweetcorn under field conditions. Growth parameters, yield components and pest incidence were assessed. Results showed that sweetcorn plants applied with 75% vermicompost tasselled (35.93 days), silked (45.60 days), and matured (63.33 days) earliest compared to the unfertilized control. The same treatment produced the longest ear length with husk (28.74 cm) and without husk (19.50 cm). The highest fresh yield with husk (19,8222.22 kg ha-1) was obtained from plants applied with 75% vermicompost, which was statistically comparable to those receiving 100% inorganic fertilizer Bureau of Soils Recommendation (BSR). Meanwhile, plants treated with 50% vermicompost produced the highest yield without husk (14,346.67 kg ha-1), also comparable to the 100% BSR treatment. Sweetcorn applied with 25-75% vermicompost exhibited moderate resistance to cutworm, leaf spot, and leaf rust, showing only 21-40% infestation and 1-5% leaf area damage.