ABSTRACT
A serious problem in fresh corn growing regions is the low availability of phosphorus (P), especially in the Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna) biome. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of experimental double hybrids of fresh corn intended to in natura consumption grown under low and high P availability. A randomized blocks experimental design was used, in a 2 × 21 factorial arrangement, consisting of two P availabilities (37.5 and 75 mg dm−3 of P2O5) and 21 corn hybrids, with 9 replications. The following variables were evaluated: ear insertion height, plant height, male and female flowering, ear length and diameter, grain weight, husked and unhusked ear weight. The best quality and yield for the corn market focused on in natura consumption were observed for the experimental double hybrids DH94 and DH102 under low P availability and for DH71 and DH81 under high P availability. The DH81 hybrid performs better for the consumer market, regardless of the P availability, and, therefore, has versatility and aptitude for this market and for different technological levels.
KEYWORDS:
Zea mays L.; husked ears; unhusked ears