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:P2 O5 :K2 O kg ha-1;), 125% RDF (250:75:62.5 N:P2 O5 :K O2 kg ha-1;), and 150% RDF (300:90:75 N:P2 O5 :K2 O kg ha-1;)]and nine QPM hybrids(IQPMH 2205,IQPMH 2204,APQWH8,APH6,AQWH5,IQMH203,HM8,HQPM5 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(₹73,727ha-1 net returns with B:Cratio 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 inAndhra Pradesh.
Quality protein maize, Fertility levels, Grain yield, Economic returns,Andhra Pradesh
