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Effect of Folicote Antitranspirant Application on Field Grain Yield of Moisture–Stressed Corn¹

Little has been done on the practical use of antitranspirants to increase the yield of field crops. The objective of this study was to determine the yield response of moisture–stressed corn to the application of an antitranspirant. Folicote, a hydrocarbon film–type antitranspirant, was foliarly applied on moisture–stressed field corn (Zea mays L.) grown on Pullman silty clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Torrertic Paleustoll) soil. Single seasonal applications (foliar spray with ground rig just prior to tasseling) resulted in average yield increases of 11 and 17 % . Fields where both the upper and lower leaf surfaces were sprayed required 1.93 L/ ha for maximum yield response, 42 % less than required where spraying was from the top only. The response was curvilinear with definite yield depression when rates were too great, indicating the need to determine optimum application rates according to the method of application. It was concluded that antitranspirant application is a feasible method of increasing corn yield under the conditions of this study.

Key Words: Water use • Zea mays L. • Maize • Drought • Conserving soil moisture

² Professor of agronomy, New Mexico State Univ., Clovis, and professor of experimental statistics, New Mexico State Univ;, Las Cruces.

Received for publication June 28, 1982.