Effects of plant population on leaf area index, cob characteristics and grain yield of irrigated hybrid maize

Abstract

The effect of plant population on leaf area index, cob characteristics and grain yield of irrigated hybrid maize varieties was evaluated. Results indicate that increased plant population resulted in higher LAI and cob characteristics. The 66,000 plants per hectare treatment exhibited better cob characteristics and out yielded the 44,000 and 33,000 plants per hectare treatments. Varietal differences also showed significant differences in the parameters evaluated. Variety UTCH-1 exhibited higher LAI and superior number of cobs per plant, 1000-grain weight and total grain yield. Based on this study information on suitable plant population for each variety is important for successful irrigated maize production.