Economical Productivity of Maize Genotypes under Different Herbicides Application in Two Contrasting Climatic Conditions

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The sustainability-1695006 manuscript examines the economical productivity of maize grain yield components grown for food in different pannonian climatic conditions.

The manuscript is generally not well-written; language revision is necessary.

The following comments were raised:

Ls. 203-4: How can segregation of grains according to “size and capacity” can be practically achieved?

Section 3.2. Is it practically feasible to select from all grains the particular fraction having the highest HGW?

Table 3 is trivial and should be eliminated.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you for your suggestions. We have adopted all your suggestions and thanks to the indicated suggestions, we have significantly improved our Manuscript ID sustainability-1695006.

Best regards,

Authors

1. Our answers to your questions are as follows.

 

Author Comment for reviewer 1.

 

1. 203-4: How can segregation of grains according to “size and capacity” can be practically achieved?

Answer: Thank you very much for in question.

Calibration aims to uniform maize seeds by physical properties (mass and shape). For this purpose, different sieves are used, with round and rectangular openings, which divides maize  seeds into two, three or four fractions.

 

2. Section 3.2. Is it practically feasible to select from all grains the particular fraction having the highest HGW?

Answer. Yes.

Using a maize  seed sieve the fraction with the highest HGW can be separated. Within the same seed dimension, it is possible to separate the seeds by weight, using gravity separators, which practically determines its seed quality.

 

3. Table 3 is trivial and should be eliminated.

Answer: We moved Table 3 to the introduction, at the request of the reviewer 3. If you think we need to delete it, we will delete it.

 

 

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript entitled “Economical Productivity of Maize Grain Yield Components Grown for Food in Different Pannonian Climatic Conditions” (sustainability-1695006) was aimed at estimating the stability of yield and hundred grains weight of seven maize genotypes based on four different treatments, during two growing seasons at two locations.

 

To improve the quality of the manuscript, I propose the following:

(1) "Maize is a very nutritious food, therefore it developing climate resilient genotypes adapted to the arid maize-growing regions" – Is this the main characteristic that makes maize resilient to arid growing regions, worth mentioning right at the beginning of the abstract?

 

(2) Data from lines 39-41 regarding the Serbian exported maize is outdated and should be updated concerning the year 2021, which is available at the following Web address: https://www.trademap.org/Country_SelProductCountry_TS.aspx?nvpm=1%7c688%7c%7c%7c%7c1005%7c%7c%7c4%7c1%7c1%7c2%7c2%7c1%7c2%7c1%7c1%7c1

 

(3) In the Introduction section, after explaining the objective of this study, I suggest explaining the novelty factor of this research avenue and how it adds more layers to the existing literature.

 

(4) At the end of Section 1 – Introduction, I suggest elaborating a final paragraph dedicated to explaining the structure of this empirical study.

 

(5) The legend from Figure 1 should be improved: the primary axis needs a title, as well as the secondary axis (vertical). Moreover, I suggest updating the legend by replacing "P (mm)" with "Precipitation (mm)" and "T" with "Average temperature (°C)".

 

(6) More discussions are needed with respect to the economical productivity of maize based on the analyzed variables. From an agronomic point of view, the manuscript is rich on discussions, but it lacks the connection with the economical component. I suggest linking the results with Serbia's trade balance results, maize consumption, price dynamics (local, national and international), revealed comparative advantage and eventually discuss food security implications.

 

(7) I suggest expanding the Conclusions section with more discussions on the managerial implications. Additionally, I propose extending the conclusions section with an explanation of the current limitations of this empirical study, as well as a elaborating a paragraph dedicated to highlighting the main directions concerning future research avenues in the same research area.

 

Please note that I have observed some minor English language errors. For example: "therefore it developing climate resilient genotypes adapted" (lines 17-18), should be "its developing...".

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you for your suggestions. We have adopted all your suggestions and thanks to the indicated suggestions, we have significantly improved our Manuscript ID sustainability-1695006.

Best regards,

Authors

The manuscript entitled “Economical Productivity of Maize Grain Yield Components Grown for Food in Different Pannonian Climatic Conditions” (sustainability-1695006) was aimed at estimating the stability of yield and hundred grains weight of seven maize genotypes based on four different treatments, during two growing seasons at two locations.

To improve the quality of the manuscript, I propose the following:

• "Maize is a very nutritious food, therefore it developing climate resilient genotypes adapted to the arid maize-growing regions" – Is this the main characteristic that makes maize resilient to arid growing regions, worth mentioning right at the beginning of the abstract?

Answer: Thank you very much on the specified omission. We corrected the sentence in Line 18-19. in

Maize ranks first among of worldwide production and an important source of human and animal feed. Its production can be affected by management practices and climatic conditions.

• Data from lines 39-41 regarding the Serbian exported maize is outdated and should be updated concerning the year 2021, which is available at the following Web address:

Answer: Thank you very much on the suggestion and help.

Answer: Line 50-51. In 2020, Serbia were exported 16.86 million tons maize, the value of which was 644.61 million dollars [6,7].

https://www.trademap.org/Country_SelProductCountry_TS.aspx?nvpm=1%7c688%7c%7c%7c%7c1005%7c%7c%7c4%7c1%7c1%7c2%7c2%7c1%7c2%7c1%7c1%7c1

 (3) In the Introduction section, after explaining the objective of this study, I suggest explaining the novelty factor of this research avenue and how it adds more layers to the existing literature.

Answer in  Line 52-62: New innovations and trends in the areas of genomics, bioinformatics, and phenomics are enabling breeders with innovative tools, resources and technologies to breed superior resilient cultivars. Maize breeding strategies is to create highly yielding and adaptable genotypes for different production environments [9]. In order to create maize hybrids for wide production, aside from the genetic potential for high yield, it is required good adaptability and stability, quick moisture release from the grain and good resistance to economically significant pests and plant diseases. Therefore, in maize breeding programs, beside of the appropriate germplasm, it is necessary to apply adequate breeding methods that will ensure the implementation the program in the shortest possible time and low possible cost [8, 9]. Genotype is one of the very important factors of cultivation can be influenced [10-13].

• At the end of Section 1 – Introduction, I suggest elaborating a final paragraph dedicated to explaining the structure of this empirical study.

Answer in Line 110-117: Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the influence of genotype, year, locality of cultivation and treatment, with four herbicides sub-treatments on, the stability [42-43] of yield component, hundred grains weight of six tested maize genotypes by using the AMMI and GGE biplot methods. The information obtained through this investigation would be beneficial to maize producers, as well as breeders, to select the appropriate suitable and stable maize hybrids that can be successfully exploited in different environments based on genotype stability, without additional requirements for developing breeding programs for smaller and specific environments.

• The legend from Figure 1 should be improved: the primary axis needs a title, as well as the secondary axis (vertical). Moreover, I suggest updating the legend by replacing "P (mm)" with "Precipitation (mm)" and "T" with "Average temperature (°C)".

Answer in Line 110-117: In Figure 1. in the legend by replacing "P (mm)" with "Precipitation (mm)" and "T" with "Average temperature (°C)".

• More discussions are needed with respect to the economical productivity of maize based on the analyzed variables. From an agronomic point of view, the manuscript is rich on discussions, but it lacks the connection with the economical component. I suggest linking the results with Serbia's tr..

Answer: Line 2: New titled of  paper is: Economical Productivity of Maize genotypes under different herbicides application in two contrasting Climatic Conditions

 

In line 48-49 add: Maize was grown in Serbia in 2020 on 996527 ha, with an average yield of 7.9 t ha ^-1 and production of 7.88 million tons.

• I suggest expanding the Conclusions section with more discussions on the managerial implications. Additionally, I propose extending the conclusions section with an explanation of the current limitations of this empirical study, as well as a elaborating a paragraph dedicated to highlighting the main directions concerning future research avenues in the same research area.

Answer:  Section conclusions are extended, in line 445-456 the following has been added.

Genotype L-6 had the same mass of 100 grains (37.96 g) during both years of testing, while genotype L-1 with 4.46 g, had the largest difference between years. This clearly indicates the influence of genotype but also stress under the influence of sulfonylureas and environmental factors. By choosing the optimal maize genotype and treatment, it will contribute to the stabilization and increase of maize yield in agroecological conditions of the South Banat Administrative District. Technologies like applied  sulfonylureas to achieve high yields grain and food security and resilience plants maize to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Conventional approaches together with biotechnological tools aim to increase productivity per maize plant and minimize yield loss at the farmer’s level. The collaborative research investments in both the approaches are indispensable to food security and sustainable crop maize  improvement. Due to the great importance, this research should be continued.

• Please note that I have observed some minor English language errors. For example: "therefore it developing climate resilient genotypes adapted" (lines 17-18), should be "its developing...".

Answer:  In Line 18-19. Maize ranks first among of worldwide production and an important source of human and animal feed. Its production can be affected by management practices and climatic conditions.

Reviewer 3 Report

File attached. 

Comments for author File: Comments.docx

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you for your suggestions. We have adopted all your suggestions and thanks to the indicated suggestions, we have significantly improved our Manuscript ID sustainability-1695006.

Best regards,

Authors

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

I have reviewed the article “Economical Productivity of Maize Grain Yield Components Grown for Food in Different Pannonian Climatic Conditions” and found it very novel.  This study estimates yield stability in seven maize genotypes subjected to four herbicides treatments, during two growing seasons at two locations. The statistics used is well suitable and the data are presented in very good manner. However, there are few minor suggestion/quarries that need proper consideration for further improving the quality of the article. Such as:

1. I suggest revising the title as “Economical Productivity of Maize genotypes under different herbicides application in two contrasting Climatic Conditions”.
2. Line 18: rephrase this sentence “Maize is a very nutritious food, therefore it developing climate resilient genotypes adapted to the arid maize-growing regions”.
3. Enlist the genotype in abstract section.
4. Line 20: explain your four different treatments in abstract.
5. Line 21: explain the abbreviations AMMI, GGE, IPCA1 and GEI once when used for the 1st time.
6. What are your recommendations based on your findings? Mention at the end of abstract in single line.
7. Never use too much title words and abbreviation as key words.
8. Line 95: you reported 6 genotypes while in abstract you stated 7. Please rectify it.
9. Did you apply any basal fertilizers?
10. Table 1: I can’t see any statistical analysis for mean values of HGW and GY in table 1, why?
11. Why the CV for genotypes L1 and L2 is too much high?
12.  Separate Result and Discussion section from one another. Furthermore, properly discuss your finding as the currently provided discussion is insufficient.
13. Be brief and concise while presenting your conclusion.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you for your suggestions. We have adopted all your suggestions and thanks to the indicated suggestions, we have significantly improved our Manuscript ID sustainability-1695006.

Best regards,

Authors

1. Our answers to your questions are as follows.

 

Author Comment for reviewer 4.

1. I suggest revising the title as “Economical Productivity of Maize genotypes under different herbicides application in two contrasting Climatic Conditions”.

Answer: Line 2: New titled of  paper is: Economical Productivity of Maize genotypes under different herbicides application in two contrasting Climatic Conditions

 

2. Line 18: rephrase this sentence “Maize is a very nutritious food, therefore it developing climate resilient genotypes adapted to the arid maize-growing regions”. Answer: Line 18-19. Maize ranks first among of worldwide production and an important source of human and animal feed. Its production can be affected by management practices and climatic conditions.

 

3. Line 20: explain your four different treatments in abstract.

 

Answer: Line 22-24. subjected to four different treatments: T₁ treatment- without herbicide, Control; T₂ treatment- active substance Nicosulfuron and Motivell commercial preparation; T₃ treatment- active substance Rimsulfuron and Tarot and T₄ treatment- active substance Forasulfuron and Equip.

 

4. Line 21: explain the abbreviations AMMI, GGE, IPCA1 and GEI once when used for the 1st time. Answer: Line 24-26. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction - AMMI model and genotype × environment interaction - GGE biplot were used to estimate GEI - genotype by environment interaction.

 

5. What are your recommendations based on your findings? Mention at the end of abstract in single line.

Answer: Line 33.  Genotype L-6 had the same mass of 100 grains (37.96 g) during both years of testing, while genotype L-1 with 4.46 g, had the largest difference between years. This clearly indicates the influence of genotype but also stress under the influence of sulfonylureas and environmental factors. The maize genotype with the highest values of hundred grains weight, L-5 and L-6, expressed the highest values of grain yield (4665 kg/ha and 4445 kg/ha).

 

6. Line 95: you reported 6 genotypes while in abstract you stated 7. Please rectify it.

Answer: Thank you very much on the specified omission. We corrected in the abstract - 6 genotypes are listed. See line 20-21.

Line 20-21.  The objective of this study was to estimate stability of yield and hundred grains weight of six maize genotypes during two growing seasons at two locations…

 

7. Line 95: you reported 6 genotypes while in abstract you stated 7. Please rectify it.

 

Answer: In Line 35. corrected PCA - principal components analysis

Keywords: Zea mays; genotype; principal components analysis-PCA, grain yield component, stability

 

8. Did you apply any basal fertilizers?

Answer: Thank you very much for in question. In line 122-123 is answer.

Line 122-123: Before plowing, basic fertilization with mineral nutrients was performed formulations NPK 15:15:15 in the amount of 350 kg ha^-1.

 

9. Table 1: I can’t see any statistical analysis for mean values of HGW and GY in table 1, why?

Answer:  Thank you very much for in question. In line 235-236 is answer. Add standard deviation for HGW (L1-7.70; L2-7.65; L3-8.53; L4-4.37; L5-3.07; L6-2,41; and for GY(L1-493; L2-681; L3-462; L4-602; L5-315; L6-337)

And add in line 383-397 Correlation relations between traits - Spearman's coefficient

 

10. Why the CV for genotypes L1 and L2 is too much high?

Answer: Line 225. As shown in Table 1, the genotypes L-2 (24.16 %) and L-1 (18.26%) have the highest coefficient of variation for the grain yield while the lowest variation were observed for genotype L-5 (7.11 %) and L-6 (8.11 %), while moderate variation were found for maize genotype L-3 (12.66 %) and L-4 (13.85%).  High-yielding genotypes, suitable for intensive growing conditions, in optimal conditions achieve results close to the genetic potential for grain yield. However, in areas and years with less favorable conditions, a decline in the achieved maize grain yield is evident. Bozović et al. [3] explain that highly statistically significant differences in average yield values between years are expected and justified, and that they indicate the great influence of climatic factors during vegetation on grain yield height formation, which confirms the importance of genotype-location interaction and clearly indicates the variability of yield under the influence of the environment.

 

11. Result and Discussion … properly discuss your finding as the currently provided discussion is insufficient…

Answer: The discussion has expanded.

High-yielding genotypes, suitable for intensive growing conditions, in optimal conditions achieve results close to the genetic potential for grain yield. However, in areas and years with less favorable conditions, a decline in the achieved maize grain yield is evident. Bozović et al. [3] explain that highly statistically significant differences in average yield values between years are expected and justified, and that they indicate the great influence of climatic factors during vegetation on grain yield height formation, which confirms the importance of genotype-location interaction and clearly indicates the variability of yield under the influence of the environment.

Line 403-410. add

The hundred grains weight can vary between hybrids because it depends on agrometeorological conditions, and the amount of applied herbicides and fertilizers. According to the obtained results, genotype G 1 had a higher hundred grains weight s than genotype G 2. The hundred grains weight between genotypes did not show statistically significant differences, due to the small difference in the day length of hybrid development. Average of hundred grains weight per genotype G 1 was 375.3 g, and for genotype G 2 it was 365.4 g [61].

 

12. Be brief and concise while presenting your conclusion.

Answer:  Thank you very much for in question. Add in conclusion next:

By choosing the optimal maize genotype and treatment, it will contribute to the stabilization and increase of maize yield in agroecological conditions of the South Banat Administrative District. Knowledge of the value of the interaction between the genotype and the external environment is of great importance for more successful breeding work.

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

The authors have improved the quality of their manuscript according to the suggestions.