Production potential of various Maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids under different intra-row plant spacing

Abstract

Planned field study was performed to investigate the effect of various intra-row plant spacings on the yield of different maize hybrids at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Experiment was designed in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangements having 3 replications with net plot size of 5 m × 3 m. Study comprised of two factors, three maize hybrids i.e. NT-6621, DEKALB-919, HYCORN 11 PLUS and three plant spacings i.e. 6 inches, 9 inches and 12 inches, respectively. The data related to crop yield was recorded using standard procedures. Among maize hybrids greater plant height (216.88 cm), cob length (19.02 cm), rows per cob (14.67), grains per cob (488), grain yield (7.38 t ha-1), biological yield (17.76 t ha-1) was recorded for NT – 6621 hybrid while lower for HYCORN 11 PLUS. Moreover, data showed that intra-row spacing had statistically significant effect on yield and yield components of Maize. On the other hand, more plant height (218.88 cm) and biological yield (17.70 t ha-1) were recorded when different hybrids were sown at 6 inches and greater cob length (19.86 cm), rows per cob (14.31), grains per cob (501) and 1000-grain weight (339 g) were recorded where 12 inches plant spacing was kept, while plant spacing at 9 inches gave maximum grain yield (7.24 t ha-1) compared to other plant spacings.