The Effects of Foliar Boron on the Growth and Yield of Maize

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is crucial for food security and rural economies in Bangladesh, yet its productivity is constrained by soil fertility depletion and abiotic stresses. This study assessed the efficacy of foliar boron (B) application on maize performance during the 2023-24 Rabi season at Bangladesh Open University's Agricultural Laboratory. Using a randomized complete block design with three replications, six B concentrations (0-30 mg L⁻¹) were foliar-applied at the six-leaf stage. Optimal growth responses - including maximum plant height (194.3 cm), dry matter accumulation (185.8 g), CGR (7.23 g m⁻² day⁻¹), and RGR (0.006 g g⁻¹ day⁻¹) - were recorded at 25 mg L⁻¹ B. Yield components showed progressive improvement, peaking at 30 mg L⁻¹ B with superior cob diameter, seed count (18.2% increase over control), 100-seed weight (12.5% enhancement), and record yields (5.65 t ha⁻¹ grain; 9.9 t ha⁻¹ stover). The results demonstrate that foliar B supplementation at 25-30 mg L⁻¹ significantly boosts maize productivity through improved physiological efficiency. These findings provide actionable insights for micronutrient management strategies to enhance maize profitability in Bangladesh's resource-limited farming systems, potentially increasing yields by 22-28% compared to conventional practices.