. Effect of population density on yield and yield attributes of maize hybrids

Abstract

In order to study, the effects of plant density on yield and yield components in maize hybrids, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in 2007 at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. Experiment factors were: Maize hybrids (Sc-504, Sc-404 and Dc-370) with 3 levels of plant density (8, 10 and 12 plant m-2 as D1, D2 and D3, respectively). Results indicated that plant density had significant effects on yield and yield components in maize hybrids. Maize hybrids had different response to this characteristic. The highest grain yield and harvest index obtained from D2. The highest the number of kernel/ear, the number of grains/ear row, stem diameter, cob length, the number of kernel/ear recorded at D1, while, D3 showed the highest values of plant height. The number of grain row did not affected in maize hybrids by levels of plant density. In conclusion, it can be suggested that SC-504 hybrid should be applied and the plant density should be adjusted to 10 plants m-2 in conditions of Ardabil Plain.