Evaluation of Quality Protein Maize Genotypes for Yield and Profitability under Varying Fertility Levels

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif, 2024 to evaluate the performance of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) hybrids under varying fertility regimes. The trial was laid out in a split-plot design with three fertility levels in the main plots 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) (200:60:50 N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg ha⁻¹), 125% RDF (250:75:62.5 N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg ha⁻¹), and 150% RDF (300:90:75 N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg ha⁻¹)] and nine QPM hybrids (IQPMH 2205, IQPMH 2204, APQWH8, APH6, AQWH5, IQMH 203, HM 8, HQPM 5 and APH1) in the sub-plots, replicated thrice. Application of 150% RDF significantly enhanced plant height, hastened flowering, improved cob traits and increased grain (6620 kg ha⁻¹) and stover yields (8293 kg ha⁻¹) as well as economic returns (₹73,727 ha⁻¹ net returns with B:C ratio of 2.05). Among the hybrids, IQPMH 2204 was found superior recording the highest grain yield (7398 kg ha⁻¹), stover yield (9189 kg ha⁻¹) and profitability (₹93,507 ha⁻¹ net returns with B:C ratio of 2.31). It is therefore concluded that cultivation of QPM hybrid viz. IQPMH 2204 under 150% RDF can be recommended for achieving higher productivity and profitability during Kharif season in Andhra Pradesh.