Effects of different nitrogen levels on grain yields, agricultural properties and some quality parameters of two popcorn (Zea mays everta Sturt.)cultivars under Cukurova conditions

This study was carried out during the main crop seasons of the years of 2003 and 2004 under Cukurova conditions. In the research, the effects of different nitrogen doses (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 kg N/da) on the yields, some agricultural and quality characteristics of two popcorn cultivars (Ant-cin 98 and Nermin-cin) were studied. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with four replications. Results of the study showed that grain yield was statistically significant influenced by the nitrogen doses and the cultivars. Increasing the nitrogen dose increased averaged grain yield. Averaged grain yield of the cultivar Nermin-cin was statistically significant higher than that of cultivar Ant-cin 98. The most proper doze of nitrogen for both cultivars was 20 kg N/da. The nitrogen doses did not statistically significant affect the popping volume of grain. The cultivars studied were statistically significant different from each other in the popping volume of grain. The popping volume for the cultivar Ant-cin 98 was statistically significant higher than that for the cultivar Nermin-cin. The popping volume of 29.6 cm3/g obtained by the application of nitrogen dose of 30 kg/da was highest for the cultivar Ant-cin 98 while the highest popping volume (28 cm3/g) for the cultivar Nermin-cin was obtained by the application of nitrogen doses of 5, 15 or 25 kg/da. Key words: Popcorn, Nitrogen Level, Grain Yield, Popping Volume