The effect of different fertilizer applications from leaf on yield and yield components in popcorn (Zea mays Everta)

Objective: In this study, the effects of different foliar fertilizer types on yield, yield components and grain quality parameters of popcorn were investigated. Material and Methods: Different foliar fertilizer applications were made to Elacin (popcorn) variety in the 6-8 leaf growth period. The trial was carried out in 2023 in Altınova of Tavas district of Denizli province. The study was planned as a randomized block design with three replications. Different foliar fertilizer applications constituted the factors of the trial. Results: First, it was observed that foliar fertilizer application generally increased the number of leaves. In addition, it can be said that foliar fertilizer applications were effective in starch ratio, fibre rate and plant stem diameter values and the differences were significant. In other characteristics (ash, thousand grain weight, number of grains on the cob, cob yield, plant height, cob height and cob length), foliar fertilizer differences were insignificant. Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was seen that magnesium applied from the leaf increased the stem diameter and cob length, while boron application increased the first cob height, number of grains on the cob and fibre ratio values. It can be said that calcium fertilizer increases thousand grain weight and cob yield values. Zinc application increases oil ratio and nitrogen application increases plant height. It would be appropriate to repeat the results in different years or locations to increase the reliability of the results obtained. Key words: popcorn, fertilizer, quality, efficiency