Response of Maize (Zea mays L)varieties to planting densities.

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out at the Resreach farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons. The treatments were three maize varieties and four planting densities and were laid out in a randomized complete block desigen and were replicated three times. Data collected for the two cropping seasons on the growth and yield parameters were pooled and subjected to analysis of variance using a General Linear Model in SAS and Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to separate the treatment means. Results revealed that maize varieties significantly influenced both growth and yield parameters. However, Sammaz17 produced the tallest plants, had more days to tasselling, heaviest 100 seeds, more number of seeds cob-1. Sammaz 17 also was statistically similar with Sammaz 18 in CGR, RGR, LAD, ear height, ear diameter and grain yield. Plant density of 80,000 produced the highest in all the vegetative parameters except in NAR and days to 50% tasselling while plant density of 60,000 produced the higest grain yield and also was statistically similar with all other plant densities in cob weight and seed number cob-1. Grain yield significantly and postively correlated with all the parameters except with LAD, days to 50% tasselling and number of cob. Based on the result obtained, it can be concluded that Sammaz 17 should be planted at the planting density of 60,000 by the farmers in the study area.. KeywordsVariety, Density, Zea mays L.