This study aimed to determine the effects of mycorrhizae, vermicompost, and their interaction on the growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.). The experiment was conducted using a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of two factors. The first factor was mycorrhiza application, namely M₀ (0 g plant⁻¹), M₁ (5 g plant⁻¹), and M₂ (10 g plant⁻¹). The second factor was vermicompost application, namely V₀ (0 g plant⁻¹), V₁ (5 g plant⁻¹), and V₂ (10 g plant⁻¹). Each treatment combination was replicated three times, resulting in 27 experimental units. The observed parameters included the number of leaves, leaf area, husked ear length, husked ear weight, unhusked ear weight, and ear diameter. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% significance level when significant differences were detected. The results showed that mycorrhiza application significantly affected leaf area, husked ear length, husked ear weight, unhusked ear weight, and ear diameter, but had no significant effect on the number of leaves. Vermicompost significantly affected leaf area at 3 and 5 weeks after planting (WAP) as well as all yield parameters, but had no significant effect on the number of leaves. The interaction between mycorrhiza and vermicompost significantly affected husked ear length, husked ear weight, unhusked ear weight, and ear diameter, whereas no significant interaction was observed for the number of leaves and leaf area. The combination of 5 g plant⁻¹ mycorrhiza without vermicompost (M₁V₀) produced the highest husked ear length (27.12 cm), husked ear weight (294.63 g), and unhusked ear weight (250.79 g). Meanwhile, the largest ear diameter (51.47 mm) was obtained from the treatment without mycorrhiza combined with 10 g plant⁻¹ vermicompost (M₀V₂). It can be concluded that the application of mycorrhiza at 5 g plant⁻¹ was the most effective treatment for improving the growth and yield of sweet corn. Vermicompost exhibited varying responses depending on the observed parameter, while the interaction between the two treatments significantly influenced most of the yield components.

Keywords: Sweet corn, mycorrhiza, vermicompost, growth, yield.

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