Effects of Different Plant Densities on Growth and Yield Characteristics of Hybrid Maize (Zea Mays L.) in Single and Twin Rows Plantings

Abstract

This research was conducted to compare single and twin-row planting patterns and to determine optimum plant density for hybrid maize varieties (DKC5364, P0573), grown in Western Blacksee conditions of Türkiye, in the main crop growing season in 2020. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in a split-split plot arrangement with three replications. Hybrid maize varieties were in the main plots, planting patterns (single row (70 cm) and twin row (70-20cm) were in the split plots and plant densities of 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 plants/m2 were in the split- split plots. In the current study, plant height, first ear height, stem diameter, ears number per plant, ear length, ear diameter, and ear weigth were examined. Effects of varieties, planting patterns and plant densities on plant heights, first ear heights, ears numbers per plants and ear weigths were statistically significant. Higher values were observed at DKC5364 maize variety than P0573 variety for examined characteristics. The most suitable plant densities were determined as 11 plants/m2 for grain production and 12 plants/m2 for silage production in twin row plantig in Western Blacksee conditions of Türkiye