Pengaruh Interval Penyiraman terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi 2 Varietas Jagung (Zea mays L.) pada Media dengan Cekaman Kekeringan yang Diberi Kitosan

Abstract

Maize is the second most important food source after rice. Maize production is often hampered by environmental factors such as drought stress. Drought can cause a decrease in the growth and productivity of corn plants, resulting in large losses for farmers. This study aims to determine the effect of watering intervals on 2 varieties of corn by giving chitosan from black soldier fly (Hermatia ilucens). This research was conducted in the gauze house of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, Medan with an altitude of ± 32 meters above sea level from November to March 2024. This study used a Randomized Group Design with 2 treatment factors. The first factor is the watering interval which consists of 5 levels, namely watered every day, 4 days without watering, 8 days without watering, 12 days without watering and 16 days without watering. The second factor is the variety of maize plants, namely Bonanza F1 and Bisi-18. The results showed that the time interval treatment had a significant effect on plant height 7 weeks after planting, number of leaves 7 weeks after planting, cob weight, 100 seed weight, root volume, root length and female flower discharge. The treatment of Bonanza F1 and Bisi-18 varieties had a significant effect on plant height 7 weeks after planting, stem diameter 6-7 weeks after planting, root volume, root length, female flower exit, cob weight and cob length. The interaction of watering interval treatment on two varieties of corn had a significant effect on plant height, 100 seed weight, cob length, root volume, root length, and female flowering age.