YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF MAIZE IN RESPONSE TO PLANTING PATTERNS

Abstract

Planting patterns tending to an equidistant plant-spacing distribution increase grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.) The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of plant spatial arrangement on grain yield and yield components of maize genotypes differing in agronomic characteristics. Two field experiments were carried out during 1999 and 2000 at the Campo Experimental La Laguna (INIFAP) in Matamoros, Coah., México. In 1999, the gentypes 3025W, MCG, and N7590 were planted at single rows separated by 0.38, 0.55, and 0.76 m, and at twin rows at 0.90, and 1.05 m. In 2000, the hybrids 3025W, 3002W, and Garst 8285 were evaluated at single rows separated by 0.38, 0.50, and 0.76 m, and at twin rows at 1.0, and 1.05 m. For twin rows, the distance between plant lines was 0.25 m. A randomized complete block design in a split plot arrangement with three replications in the first year and four in the second, was used. Grain yield, yield components, number of formed ovules, and ovule abortion were determined. The plant-spacing patterns at 0.38 and 0.50 m rows, and twin rows at 1.0 m as compared to conventional row spacing (0.76 m), increased grain yield by 13 to 32 %, due to a greater number of grains/m² (16 to 18 %). Higher yields and number of grains/m² for 3025W and Garst 8285 hybrids than those obtained for 3002W in narrow rows, were the result of a lower ovule abortion percentage. The results show that maize planted in narrow rows can produce higher yields than in conventional row spacing; however, adapted genotypes to narrow row systems must be identified.