Effects of different planting densities and cultivation methods on major agronomic characters and yield of maize

【Objective】The purpose of this experiment was to identify the best cultivation method of maize variety Dika 008 and to provide references for ehancing yield of common maize cultivars.【Method】The effects of two planting densities and three cultivation methods on agronomic traits and yield of maize variety Dika 008 were investigated in a field experiment with randomized block design.【Result】The results showed that plant height,stem diameter,ear length,barren tip,grains per row and100-grain weight were on the downside when plant density increased,while ear height,ear diameter,rows per ear and yield were on the rise.The plant height,ear length and grains per row presented well in cultivation model of wide-narrow row,the rows and 100-grain weight showed well in cultivation model of 0.75 m+0.55 m,stem and ear diameter showed well in cultivation model of 0.80 m+0.40 m.Under different planting density and cultivation methods,SPAD in leaf increased initially and then decreased during four different growth periods,and leaf area index gradually increased during three different growth periods.【Conclusion】The yield of Dika 008 was recorded as the highest(9677.35 kg/ha)under the planting density of 57000 plant/ha and cultivation model of 0.65 m+0.65 m.In conclusion,proper cultivation method in accordance with varietal characteristics may improve the maize yield.