Effect of plant density on the yield of maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) in Ghana

Abstract

Studies were conducted in four locations in Ghana in 1986 to determine the effect of seven planting densities: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 x 10³ plants/ha on grain yield of three maize varieties differing in maturity: early, medium and full season. Maize grain yield was significanlly influenced by leaf area index, variety and density. Optimum densities ranged between 49 and 65 x 10³ plants/ha in three of the environments studied and expected yields ranged between 4.5 and 6.5 tons/ha. The results suggest that maize differing in maturity perform differently in the environments studied. Kwadaso, Ejura and Kpeve represent environments in which maize could give reasonably good yields.