Sustainable improvement of single cross maize performance using vinasse-based biofertilizer

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Plant Breeding

Background:

• Sustainable maize (Zea mays L.) production requires effective biofertilization strategies.
• Vinasse, a byproduct of ethanol distillation, shows potential as an organic biofertilizer to enhance crop growth and yield traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of vinasse application on maize growth, yield, and quality.
• To assess genotype-trait relationships for selecting high-performing and stable maize single crosses.
• To optimize biofertilization practices for sustainable maize cultivation in Egypt.

Main Methods:

• A two-year field experiment using a strip-plot design within a randomized complete block design (RCBD).
• Treatments included four vinasse solution levels (0, 1, 2, 3 L plot⁻¹) and three maize single crosses (SC2031, SC2036, SC168).
• Agronomic traits, yield, quality parameters, and genotype-trait associations were analyzed using GGE biplot and AMMI analyses.

Main Results:

• Significant effects of vinasse levels, maize genotypes, and their interaction were observed on major agronomic traits.
• The single cross SC2036 with 3 L plot⁻¹ vinasse yielded highest (8.60 t ha⁻¹), showing superior performance in growth, yield, and quality traits.
• SC2031 demonstrated the highest yield stability across seasons, followed by SC2036 and SC168. AMMI analysis confirmed significant genotype × treatment interactions.

Conclusions:

• Vinasse application, particularly at 3 L plot⁻¹, significantly enhances maize productivity and quality.
• Maize single cross SC2036 is a promising genotype for high yield under vinasse biofertilization.
• Combining strategic vinasse application with appropriate single-cross selection is crucial for sustainable maize production in Egyptian agro-ecological conditions.