Evaluation of effect of nicosulfuron at different time of application on the chemical component of maize (Zea mays)

Abstract. Tizhe TD, Alonge SO, Iortsuun DN, Adekpe DI, Batta K. 2022. Evaluation of effect of nicosulfuron at different time of application on the chemical component of maize (Zea mays). Nusantara Bioscience 14: 123-128. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of nicosulfuron at different concentration and time of application on the chemical compositions of maize (Zea mays L.) grain. A field experiment was conducted during the 2019 and 2020 cropping season. Using a split plot design, maize seed was planted; and four different concentrations of nicosulfuron (50, 100, 150 and 200 g/ha) were applied at 3, 5 and 7 weeks after sowing (WAS). The maize grain obtained were analyzed of its proximate, amino acids and mineral contents using a standard procedures. The results showed that both the different concentrations of nicosulfuron and its time of application had significant effect on the proximate compositions except on the ash content. The 5 WAS application time had the significantly highest content of protein, crude fibre and moisture with 11.35, 2.60 and 12.01% respectively; and lowest of carbohydrate (70.58%) and crude fat (2.33%). The nicosulfuron was also observed to have a significant effect on all the amino acids and mineral (except on N) contents of the maize grain with 100 g/ha recording the significantly highest content of almost all the amino acids; and 50 g/ha the lowest. The 5 WAS had the highest of virtually all the amino acids; while 3 WAS the lowest. Therefore, nicosulfuron and time of application both have a significant effect on the proximate, amino acids and Mg and Ca components of maize grain; which means that the use of nicosulfuron at concentrations especially above 100 g/ha and at time other than 5 WAS negatively affect the chemical components of maize grain.