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Limitations on the available herbicide portfolio for weed control have led to weed control failures. Application techniques such as proper selection of nozzle types, adjuvants, and herbicide selection have been suggested as one of the ways to maximize efficacy. The launch of HPPD (hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase)-tolerant crops will increase HPPD herbicide applications, while effective herbicide tank mixtures might prolong herbicide resistance evolution. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of mesotrione (MES) and rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl (RIMTHIF) in tank mixtures with five adjuvants sprayed with three different nozzle types, XR (Extended Range), AIXR (Air Induction Extended Range), and TTI (Turbo TeeJet Induction), on weed control. Five weed species were tested: common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.), common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D. Sauer), Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.), barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.), and a grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) crop. A dose‒response study using MES and RIMTHIF was conducted to estimate the effective dose to reduce the aboveground biomass by 50% from the nontreated control (ED 50). Another study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of MES and RIMTHIF in tank mixtures with five adjuvants (ammonium sulfate – AMS, crop oil concentrate – COC, drift reducing adjuvant – DRA, methylated seed oil – MSO, and nonionic surfactant – NIS) sprayed with three nozzle types (XR, AIXR, and TTI). The selected nozzles influenced velvetleaf, common lambsquarters, and sorghum, indicating the possibility of applying herbicides with Coarser sprays, avoiding off-target movement. Our findings suggest adjuvants are an essential factor for improving weed control over the active ingredient, up to 18.7% and 38.3% for MES and RIMTHIF, respectively. Barnyardgrass biomass reduction was greater than 98% with RIMTHIF in tank mixtures with COC and MSO compared to 65% when applied alone. Common lambsquarters had 52.1% biomass reduction when RIMTHIF was sprayed alone, while adding adjuvants to the tank-mixture resulted in biomass reduction ranging from 60.1% (COC) to 94.1% (AMS). Velvetleaf biomass reduction was 98% when the MES and RIMTHIF mixture was applied with the addition of MSO, while 87% without the adjuvant added. These results indicate that adding adjuvants in herbicide solution can improve herbicide efficacy (COC and MSO for barnyardgrass; NIS, AMS, and MSO for velvetleaf; and NIS, COC, and MSO for common lambsquaters). [Display omitted] • The efficacy of mesotrione and rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl was tested. • The study also tested the influence of five adjuvants and three nozzle types. • Effective weed control as an alternative to commonly used herbicides. • Weed control increased using adjuvants, up to 18.7% and 38.3%. • Coarser droplets presented satisfactory weed control while reducing drift potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of three tillage systems: no-tillage (NT), rotary tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT), and three levels of fertilization (control, 330 and 660 kg NPK ha-1), on the weed infestation level in maize and the maize grain yield were analysed during 2010 and 2011. The cropping systems were continuously conducted during ten years (1999-2011) on the chernozem in Zemun Polje, Serbia. The data showed significant effects of both factors on the weed infestation level and the maize yield. In both years of investigations, a significantly lower number of weed plants per species (p<0.05) was recorded under conditions of conventional tillage. On the other hand, the highest number of weed plants per species was detected in rotary tillage fields. The weed fresh biomass was also the lowest on the area to which conventional tillage was applied, especially in 2011 (5.78 g m-2). The increase of the amount of the applied mineral fertilizer resulted in the increase of the number of weed plants per species and the weed fresh biomass, but also in the increase of the grain yield of maize. The highest yields were observed in the CT variant in both years (10.07 and 10.39 t ha-1, respectively), while maize yields in RT and NT variants were lower. The regression coefficients showed that intensification of tillage resulted in higher grain yields of maize by 29% in the first year of investigation and even by 67% in the second year of investigation (R=0.29 and R=0.67, respectively). The increase of the amount of the applied mineral fertilizer led to the increase of maize grain yields by 83% (R=0.83) and 55% (R=0.55) in the first, i.e. second year of investigation, respectively. The analysis of the influence of the soil tillage systems on the maize production, with respect to the amounts of applied fertilizers, revealed the benefits of CT for the weed infestation reduction and high grain yields obtaining, under given agroecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop rotation is a simple and effective part of an Integrated Weed Management (IWM) system. This approach makes it possible to rotate herbicides with different modes of action (MOA), avoiding or postponing herbicide resistance. Besides all the known advantages and benefits, it is still not widely used in maize (Zea mays L.) production. In Serbia, about 20% of total maize production is a continuous cropping. The aim of this research was to test the benefits of growing maize in crop rotation with winter wheat (Triticum vulgare L.) compared with a continuous cropping, combined with pre-emergence herbicide application. Field trials started in 2009, and five maize-winter wheat rotations have been completed. Weeds were controlled with a herbicide mixture of isoxaflutole and S-metolachlor, applied at either the full label rate or half rate, while one plot was kept weed free (manually), and one was a control. Integrating crop rotation and PRE herbicides decreased the biomass of weeds and their density by 98% and 99%, respectively. In continuous maize, perennial weeds became dominant after the first rotation. Crop rotation significantly influenced maize productive parameters, decreasing the variation in leaf area index and grain yield, increasing values with the number of cycles. The biggest differences in the analyzed parameters were observed in 2015, 2017 and 2019, indicating many positive long-term benefits of crop rotation on maize leaf area index and grain yield. Image 1 • Maize - winter wheat rotation significantly reduced weeds density and biomass. • A decreasing tendency of perennial weeds was reported in crop rotation. • Crop rotation with Isoxaflutole and S-metolachlor reduced weeds up to 99%. • In crop rotation appying 1/2 of herbicide rate could be as effective as the full rate. • Maize leaf area and grain yield were significantly higher in crop rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edamame is a vegetable, immature soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) and an excellent plant-based protein source which is low in calories, high in essential amino acids, dietary fibre, phospholipids, vitamins, minerals, and many other bioactive compounds. Secondary metabolites in edamame include various phenolic compounds, isoflavones, and saponins. Besides providing fresh, green and highly nutritious beans as the main product, edamame biomass can be utilized at the same time for animal feeding or as green manure. Germination, seedling emergence and stand establishment are very important initial phases in development that have a great impact on the whole vegetative cycle. Weed management is one of the key elements for reaching full genetic and yield potential. Irrespective that edamame could enrich the soil with N through the N-fixation process, optimal nutrition which includes application of mineral and organic fertilizers, biofertilizers as well as foliar fertilizers are required for successful production. Ensuring timely water supply to edamame is another crucial factor that greatly contributes. Edamame, as a vegetable crop, is highly sensitive to environmental fluctuations, thus optimization and the development of adequate cropping technology are essential for successful production. As nitrogen fixing legume rich in bioactive compounds, with various benefits for human health and suitability for crop rotation, edamame hugely contributes to sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Popcorn is a specialty maize variety with popping abilities. Although considered a snack, popcorn flakes provide a variety of benefits for the human diet. To evaluate the change in content of bioactive compounds in response to microwave popping, the kernels and flakes of twelve popcorn hybrids were assayed. Accordingly, the content of phytic acid, glutathione, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and tocopherols, as well as the antioxidant activity, were evaluated. In all evaluated popcorn hybrids, the most pronounced significant average decrease of 71.94% was observed for GSH content, followed by 57.72% and 16.12% decreases for lutein + zeaxanthin and phytic acid content, respectively. In response to popping, in the majority of the evaluated hybrids, the most pronounced significant average changes of a 63.42% increase and a 27.61% decrease were observed for DPPH, followed by a 51.52% increase and a 24.48% decrease for β-carotene, as well as, a 48.62% increase and a 16.71% decrease for α-Tocopherol content, respectively. The applied principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses revealed the distinct separation of popcorn hybrids' kernels and flakes, indicating the existence of a unique linkage of changes in bioactive compound content in response to popping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pH is one of the most important limiting factors for crop cultivation, including maize. About 30-40% of the world's arable land is acidic, and over a billion ha is alkaline. Today, there are 205 million ha of arable land under maize in the world, so it ranks third in area after rice and wheat. Maize hybrids have wide genetic variability and high pH tolerance. We tested the tolerance of maize hybrids seedlings of ZP 4708 and ZP 5797 to pH 5, 6, 7, and 8. Results showed that hybrid ZP 4708 has a higher adaptability to low and high pH, due to the higher value of germination energy (GE), shoot length (ShL), shoot fresh weight (ShFW), shoot dry weight (ShDW), germination rate index (GRI), and seedling vigor index (SVI) than hybrid ZP 5797. Results further showed, on average for hybrids, that pH 5 and pH 8 significantly decreased the GE, root length (RL), ShL, root fresh weight (RFW), ShFW, root dry weight (RDW), shoot fresh weight (ShDW), and SVI. These parameters did not differ significantly between pH 6 and pH 7. Seed germination was not affected by the pH, indicating that the seed vigor of both hybrids supports full germination potential. However, it could be expected that exposure to the lowest and highest pH values of the medium could affect seedlings growth in the field conditions, even though germination is high. SVI showed a positive and significant correlation with all investigated parameters, except germination (G) and relative seedling water content (RSWC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variable frequent drought periods in Vojvodina region (the southeastern part of the Pannonian Plain, Serbia), severely limit maize (Zea mays L.) production under rainfed conditions. A four-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sprinkler deficit irrigation and plant density on yield and water use efficiency of maize grown on silty clay loam soil under temperate continental climate. The experiment included fully irrigated crop (I 1), three deficit irrigation treatments (I 2 , I 3 and I 4 corresponding to 80, 50 and 40 % of crop evapontranspiration, respectively) and non-irrigated treatment (I 0), and three plant densities (LPD: 54,900 plants ha–1; MPD: 64,900 plants ha–1; HPD: 75,200 plants ha–1) in four replicates. The results showed that grain yield, CWP (crop water productivity) and IWP (irrigation water productivity) varied significantly with irrigation amounts, plant densities and seasons. The irrigation rates and plant density interact significantly. MPD and HPD differed significantly from LPD in almost all seasons. With increasing irrigation and plant density, yield and CWP showed an increasing trend. The relative values of IWP increased with the rise of plant density and decreased with the amount of irrigation. The highest four-year average yield (15.03 t ha–1) was obtained in the I 1 -HPD treatment, while the lowest (9.30 t ha–1) was obtained in the I 0 -HPD treatment. The highest average values of CWP and IWP were recorded at I 3 -HPD or/and I 2 -HPD. The lowest CWP and IWP values were determined for I 4 -HPD and I 4 -MPD, respectively. In the pedo-climatic conditions of Vojvodina and similar regions, we recommend growing maize under the I 1 -HPDtreatment to achieve high yields. Under the water shortage conditions, the application of I 2 -HPD treatment is a favorable strategy saving 37 % of irrigation water, while reducing maize grain yield by ∼10 %. • Water deficit at the lowest irrigation treatment reduced grain yield by 31 %. • Increasing plants density to 64,900 plants ha−1 raises grain yield by ∼4 %. • High plant densities reduced yield at the low irrigation and rainfed cultivation. • Irrigation amount and plant density significantly affected CWP and IWP. • Grain yield, crop and irrigation water productivity significantly varied over years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of weeds complicates seed cropping, while the herbicides could induce stress at inbred plants, dependently on genotype sensitivity and agro-meteorological conditions. The phosphorus metabolism in living organisms could be affected by different stress factors, including herbicides. The aim of the experiment was to determine the influence of five post-emergence herbicides (s-metolachlor + terbuthylazine + mesotrione, topramezone, tembotrione + isoxadiphen-ethyl, nicosulfuron and foramsulfuron + isoxadiphen-ethyl) on dry matter and different phosphorus forms (inorganic and phytic phosphorus) 48 hours after their application in seven ZP maize inbred lines, during 2008 and 2009. Injurious effects of applied herbicides dependent on seasonal influence: in 2008, as year with relative favourable condition during sprouting phase, dry matter content was slightly decreased, together with content of phytic phosphorus, which was followed by slight increase of inorganic phosphorus, signifying possible damaging impact of applied herbicides on phosphorus metabolism and biomass accumulation in maize shoots, but in low degree. Meanwhile, during starting growth in 2009, most of herbicides induced dry matter and inorganic phosphorus decrease, as well as the increase of phytic phosphorus, compared to control, what was particularly emphasized at foramsulfuron + isoxadiphen-ethyl treatment. The negative influence of s-metolachlor + terbuthylazine + mesotrione was mainly underlined during 2009, inducing dry matter and inorganic phosphorus increase in all inbreds, affecting phytate biosynthesis and drying as one of the most important signs of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environment protection, energy, and resources preservation are especially pronounced under present climate changes. In agriculture, these changes are recognised as drought, high temperatures, occurrence of stormy winds and hail. The aim of this study was to determine variations in seed morphology that are a result of different sowing dates in relation with agroecological conditions of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation. The material used for the study encompassed three inbred lines (G1, G2, G3) sown every 10 d on five sowing dates (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5) starting from 1 April to 10 May, during 2 yr (Y1: 2018, Y2: 2019). The following physical properties of seeds were estimated: width (W), length (L), thickness (Tk), ratio of small (SF) to large fraction (LF) and grain yield (GY). The width was the highest in all three inbreeds on T4 (1.00, 1.03, 0.99 cm, respectively); T5 was the least favourable date for L (1.09, 1.12, 1.09 cm, respectively) while Tk was the lowest in G1 (0.51 cm) and G2 (0.51 cm) sown on T1. The most significant differences in the formation of physical properties occurred in seeds sown on T5 (p ≤ 0.05). The highest differences were observed in width between T5-T4 (-0.223 cm), in length between T5-T2 (-0.309 cm) and in thickness between T5-T3 (-0.129 cm). Later sowing dates favoured LF (85.2%) in comparison to SF (14.7%). Seed size variability participated with 50% in yield formation (R2 ≥ 0.5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of a two-crop rotation and herbicide application on the reduction weed infestation of maize (Zea mays L.) were studied in this trial. The studies were carried out in the experimental field of the Maize Research Institute, Zemun Polje in the period 2009-2011. The trial encompassed two factors: the application of crop rotations with the maize continuous cropping and the two-crop rotation (maize-wheat rotation) variants, as well as the application of herbicides (isoxaflutole+acetochlor) at the three levels: recommended rate (105 g a.i. + 1536 g a.i.), half the recommended rate of herbicides (52.5 g a.i. + 768 g a.i.) and control, without herbicide use. Herbicides were applied after sowing but prior to maize emergence. During the three years of investigation the hybrid ZP 677 was sown in the continuous cropping variant and the two-crop rotation. The number of weed species, as well as, the number of weed plants per species, and their fresh biomass were determined. In the initial year of investigation (2009) the values obtained in the continuous cropping and the two-crop rotation were uniform in dependence on the level of applied herbicides. However, after the first maize-wheat rotation, changes occurred in 2011, as a result of crop rotation. The number of weed species in the two-crop rotation variant was lower, from three to five, than in variant with the continuous cropping. Furthermore, the number of weed plants per species and fresh biomass of weeds were lower in the two-crop rotation variant than in maize continuous crop especially with application of the recommended rate of herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Susceptibility of maize inbred lines causes a need to study their response to the existing and new active ingredients of herbicides. The present study observes the effects of the application of two sulfonylurea herbicides: nicosulphuron and foramsulphuron on the content of fresh and dry matter in seedlings, as well as, on the EWRC values of eight ZP maize inbred lines during three year study. The differences in susceptibility to applied herbicides were observed among years and genotypes. During 2006, as the season with lower temperatures during the period of starting growth, the applied herbicides induced decrease of average fresh matter (about 19%) and increase of average dry matter (about 4%), compared to the control. Meanwhile, during 2007, average fresh and dry matter were varied up to ± 7%, compared to the control. It is more significant to emphasize, during 2008 fresh matter was increased up to 13%, while dry matter was lower about 1% in both applied herbicide treatments. The observed data are in agreement with negligible lower EWRC values present in 2007 and 2008, compared to 2006. It was also important to underline that most susceptible maize inbred indicated lower tolerance to foramsulphuron, through higher EWRC values, as well as increase of dry matter, which could point desiccation as one of the first signs of a stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable nutrition and food production involve dietary habits and farming systems which are eco-friendly, created to provide highly nutritious staple crops which could serve as a functional food at the same time. This research sought to provide a comprehensive analysis of whole-grain cereals, and some ancient grains toward important macro- (protein), micro-nutrients (mineral elements), and bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber (arabinoxylan and β-glucan) and antioxidants (phytic acid, total glutathione, yellow pigment, and phenolic compounds) to provide functionality in a sustainable diet. Genotypes, such as durum wheat, triticale, spelt, emmer wheat, and barley, could be considered important and sustainable sources of protein (ranging 11.10-15.00%), as well as prebiotic fiber (β-glucan and arabinoxylan, ranging 0.11-4.59% and 0.51-6.47%, respectively), essential elements, and various antioxidants. Ancient grains can be considered as a source of highly available essential elements. Special attention should be given to the Cimmyt spelt 1, which is high in yellow pigment (5.01 μg·g -1 ) and has a capacity to reduce DPPH radicals (186.2 µmol TE·g -1 ), particularly Zn (70.25 mg·kg -1 ). The presence of phenolics, dihydro- p -coumaric acid, naringin, quercetin, epicatechin in grains of oats (Sopot), as well as catechin in barley grains (Apolon and Osvit) underline their unique chemical profile, making them a desirable genetic pool for breeding genotypes. This research provides a comprehensive assessment of different nutritional aspects of various cereals (some of which are commonly used, while the others are rarely used in diet), indicating their importance as nutraceuticals. It also provides a genetic background that could be translated the genotypes with even more profound effects on human health.

Cover crops play an important role in low-input cropping systems, increasing the use of agro-ecosystem services. Due to the lack of information about the impact of cover crops and bio-fertilizers on popcorn maize ( Zea mays everta Sturt.) growth and yield quality, especially the popping volume and nutritive quality, such as concentrations of protein and mineral elements, this research aimed to provide essential information. The interrelation between popcorn maize productivity and quality with important groups of soil microorganisms presents additional novelty. The results demonstrated that field pea is a beneficial cover crop, especially when combined with a bio-fertilizer, supporting the accumulation of maize biomass, chlorophyll, yield potential, and the concentrations of protein, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn. In addition, field pea residues promoted N-fixing bacteria, and the number of total microorganisms, especially actinomycetes and decomposing bacteria, which could promote nutrient uptake and grain quality. Residues of cover crop mixtures, common vetch + winter oats and field pea + winter oats, promoted the total number of microorganisms in the soil, and up to the end of vegetation, a greater number of decomposition and ammonification microorganisms were found, especially when the bio-fertilizer was applied, which consequently could support greater maize biomass. Popping volume, as a main trait of popcorn maize, had the highest value in the common vetch + winter oats variant, supporting again the statement that quality traits could be enhanced in sustainable production. Unlike living cover crops, mulch mainly affected soil microbial communities and promoted the development of actinomycetes and cellulolytic microorganisms during the growing season. The results of this research could contribute to the development of sustainable popcorn maize production for improved grain quality. They could also serve as a basis for isolating beneficial soil microorganisms to develop new bio-fertilizers that could improve maize production in synergy with cover crops., Competing Interests: SD was employed by company Agrounik d.o.o. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Dragičević, Simić, Dolijanović, Đorđević, Stoiljković, Dimkić and Brankov.)

Climate changes are one of the biggest threats to food security. Sustainable agriculture, focused on eco-friendly practices for highly efficient food production, enables greater resilience and safety. This study experimented on intercropping and bio-fertilizer application as convenient ecological solutions for crop yield stability and quality. The experiment was conducted during 2018 and 2020 with soybean and common millet sown in three sowing patterns: alternating rows, alternating strips 1 (2 rows of soybean + 2 rows of millet), and alternating strips 2 (2 rows of soybean + 4 rows of millet), as well as sole crops (control), with or without a bio-fertilizer Coveron. Grain yield and nutrient grain yield response were calculated through land equivalent ratio (LER) and element-LER (E-LER), while quality was estimated based on the concentration of antioxidants (phytate phosphorus, total phenolic compounds, and yellow pigment) and elements in grains, including potential bio-availability of essential elements. Results revealed LER values to be >1 for all sowing patterns, with the highest one achieved in alternating strips 1 (1.38) together with a greater level of all antioxidants in millet grain. Intercropping significantly enhanced Fe and Mn accumulation in both crops and simultaneously decreased the concentration of potentially toxic elements (Al, Cr) in millet grain. Potential bio-availability of essential elements, expressed through the ratio between phytic acid and Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn revealed smaller values in intercropped soybean and millet with the bio-fertilizer. The bio-fertilizer also increased the concentration of some micro-elements in millet grain, classifying it as a highly dependent plant to microbial inoculation. Interaction of intercropping and bio-fertilizer was most pronounced for LER, E-LER, and accumulation of Fe and Mn in grains. These results highlighted the benefits of soybean-common millet intercropping, especially in combination with the bio-fertilizer, in light of enhanced land utilization and nutrient absorption, thus increasing the resilience of soybean and millet under dry land conditions and low-input systems toward stability and food security., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Šenk, Simić, Milojković-Opsenica, Brankov, Tolimir, Kodranov and Dragičević.)

Potential for off-target movements follows every herbicide application. Because the launch of acetolactate synthase (ALS)- and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)-inhibiting herbicide-tolerant crops will increase the treated area, there is a need to assess the possible negative consequences of any particle drift from those herbicides. Drift happens with every pesticide application, requiring mitigation. Various factors influence drift. Some, such as nozzle type, working pressure, and boom height, can be managed. Others, such as wind, are not easy to manage. In our study, an herbicide tank mixture of mesotrione with rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl was sprayed in a low-speed wind tunnel to simulate drift. The airspeed was set at 4.4 m s -1 , representing the labeled upper limit for applications. The herbicide solution was sprayed through XR110015 and TTI110015 nozzles. Eight crops were exposed to herbicide drift treatments and biomass data were collected. Droplet size spectra and tracer depositions were evaluated. Tracer deposition was on average threefold higher in all downwind distances (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12 m) from the XR nozzle in comparison to the TTI nozzle. As a consequence, greater biomass reduction was recorded for applications with the XR compared to the TTI nozzle from 1 to 12 m downwind. At 12-m distance, biomass was decreased by 7-78% using XR nozzle while 1-27% using the TTI nozzle. Because drift can injure crops, it is very important to mitigate drift from application of formulations containing mesotrione and rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl in combination. This can be done by selecting the appropriate nozzle and ensuring optimal distances between crops., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Maize is an important staple crop and a significant source of various nutrients. We aimed to determine the macronutrients, antioxidants, and essential elements in maize genotypes (white, yellow, and red kernel) using three different fertilizers, which could be used as a basis to increase the nutrient density of maize. The fertilizer treatments used bio- and organic fertilizers as a sustainable approach, urea, as a commonly used mineral fertilizer, and the control (no fertilization). We evaluated the yield, concentration of macronutrient (protein, oil, and starch), nonenzymatic antioxidants (phenolics, yellow pigment, total glutathione (GSH), and phytic phosphorus), and reduction capacity of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, as well as essential elements that are commonly deficient in the diet (Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and S) and their relationships with phytic acid. The genotype expressed the strongest effect on the variability of grain yield and the analyzed grain constituents. The red-kernel hybrid showed the greatest accumulation of protein, oil, phenolics, and essential elements (Ca, Fe, Cu, and S) than a yellow and white hybrid, especially in the biofertilizer treatment. The yellow kernel had the highest concentrations of yellow pigment, GSH, phytic phosphorous, Mg, Mn, and Zn (19.61 µg g -1 , 1,134 nmol g -1 , 2.63 mg g -1 , 1,963 µg g -1 , 11.7 µg g -1 , and 33.9 µg g -1 , respectively). The white kernel had a greater starch concentration (2.5% higher than that in the red hybrid) and the potential bioavailability of essential metals, particularly under no fertilization. This supports the significance of white maize as a staple food in many traditional diets across the world. Urea was important for the enhancement of the antioxidant status (with 88.0% reduction capacity for the DPPH radical) and increased potential Zn bioavailability in the maize kernels (13.3% higher than that in the biofertilizer treatment). This study underlines the differences in the yield potential and chemical composition of red, yellow, and white-kernel maize and their importance as a necessary part of a sustainable human diet. This information can help determine the most appropriate genotype based on the antioxidants and/or essential elements targeted for kernel improvement., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Dragičević, Brankov, Stoiljković, Tolimir, Kanatas, Travlos and Simić.)