The Effects of Intra-row Spacings on the Grain Yield and Some Agronomic Characteristics of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids

Maize hybrids react differently to various plant density and intra-row spacing. A two-year study was conducted at Mustafa Kemal University, Agricultural Faculty, Research Farm to determine the optimum intra-row spacing for maize hybrids commercially grown in Eastern Mediterranean Region during 2000 and 2001 growing seasons. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block in a split-plot arrangement with three replications. Main plots were maize hybrids of Dracma, Pioneer 3223, Pioneer 3335, Dekalb 711 and Dekalb 626. Split-plots were intra-row spacing of 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5 and 20.0 cm. Split-plot size was 2.8 by 5.0 m with four rows per plot. The effects of intra-row spacings on the grain yield and some agronomic characteristics were statistically significant. Hybrid x intra-row spacing interaction effects were significant only at ear length and grain yield. The highest grain yields were obtained from Pioneer 3223 and Dracma at 15.0 cm intra-row spacing (11718 and 11180 kg ha-1, respectively).