Early Root Development and Yield Performance of Different Corn (Zea mays L.) Varieties Under Alkaline Soil

Early root vegetative stages of corn are critical in transitioning to the independent phase, wherein roots support development and improved nutrient uptake that may influence yield. Thus, the study assessed the root development of different corn varieties at the vegetative 4 (V4) stage and its relationship to yield, and to evaluate its performance under alkaline soil using a Randomized Complete Block Design. Data on root morphological traits were measured at the V4 stage, while yield parameters were assessed after harvest. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in RCBD, and the relationship between early root growth and yield was assessed using Pearson's correlation. The results showed that varieties TCT 476A and TCT 1868 significantly outperformed, producing higher yields across parameters, with computed yields of 9.23 t/ha and 9.27 t/ha, respectively, while CGUARD VII-002 exhibited reduced performance, having significantly lower yield. Results demonstrated that differences in yield performance among varieties can be attributed to genotype-environment interactions. Moreover, root morphological traits at the V4 stage showed no significant differences, indicating that all varieties exhibit comparable root morphological characteristics at this stage. However, root morphological traits at the V4 stage revealed no significant linear relationship with yield and yield components, suggesting that the early vegetative stage is not a reliable predictor of yield. The findings highlight that the V4 stage primarily supports establishment rather than yield formation, and fertilizer application strategies must align with efficient nutrient demand to optimize yield. Further research on later stages of root development is suggested to corroborate the preliminary findings.