Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during 2024 to evaluate the performance of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) hybrids under Kharif, 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:P O:K O kg ha ¹), 125% RDF (250:75:62.5 N:P O:K O kg ha ¹), and 150% RDF (300:90:75 N:P O:K O kg ₂ ₅ ₂ ⁻ ₂ ₅ ₂ ⁻ ₂ ₅ ₂ ha ¹)] and nine QPM hybrids (IQPMH 2205, IQPMH 2204, APQWH8, APH6, AQWH5, IQMH 203, HM 8, HQPM 5 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 (₹73,727 ha ¹ net returns with B:C ratio 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.IQPMH 2204 under 150% RDF can be recommended viz for achieving higher productivity and profitability during season in Andhra Pradesh.