Effect of different levels of nitrogen and detasseling on the quality and nutrient uptake of Baby corn

In an experiment which was conducted during the rabi season of 2020–21 at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, to assess the effect of different nitrogen levels and tassel removal on protein content and nutrient uptake in baby corn (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications, comprising six nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 kg N ha-1) in the main plots and two tasseling practices (tasselled and detasseled) in the subplots. Results revealed that increasing nitrogen levels significantly enhanced protein content in baby corn and green fodder. Application of 200 kg N ha-1 recorded the highest protein content in baby corn (11.99%) and fodder (10.26%), which was statistically at par with 160 kg N ha-1 and superior to lower nitrogen levels. Nitrogen uptake by both baby corn and fodder increased progressively with higher nitrogen application, with maximum uptake observed at 200 kg N ha-1. Phosphorus and potassium uptake were not significantly influenced by nitrogen levels. Tassel removal had no significant effect on protein content or nutrient uptake in either baby corn or fodder. No significant interaction was observed between nitrogen levels and tasseling practices for protein content or nutrient uptake. The study concludes that application of 160 to 200 kg N ha-1 optimizes protein content and nitrogen uptake in baby corn without any notable advantage from detasseling.