Effect of planting methods on some traits of growth and yield components of Corn (Zea mays L.) genotypes

Abstract

Field comparison experiments were conducted on five genotypes of corn at two spring seasons 2009-2010. Three corn-planting methods (rows, rows converted to furrows and furrows) were practiced. Randomized complete blocks design was conducted in split plots arrangement. Planting on rows was superior in number of days for tasseling in the two seasons and began of flowering after 75.4 and 74.6, respectively while a furrows planting method have the longest period for flowering for the two seasons. The genotype 6x3 was the earliest in first season whereas the genotype 5012 have the longest period for flowering at the second season. Similar results of planting methods for different genotypes were obtained for silking. A furrows planting method gave the highest plant height in the first season and method of planting on rows changed to furrows was exceeded in plant height at second season. Genotypes 6x3 and 5012 gave the highest plant height at the first and Second Seasons 188.3 and 174.6, respectively. A method of planting on rows changed to Furrows gave the lowest ear height for both seasons. Rows planting method which converted to furrows was exceeded on the other planting methods and gave the highest number of ears Plant-1 in first season whereas rows method in the second season. Genotypes 6x3 and 5012 were exceeded in the first and second seasons, respectively in ears. Plant-1. The method of planting on rows changed to Furrows was exceeded in seed Ear-1 for both seasons. The high seed fertility percentage was in rows converted to furrows at first Season and rows in second season. Genotype 6x3 and 3003 gave the highest fertility percentage at two seasons, respectively. Rows converted to Furrows produced highest weight of 300 seed in the first season furrows planting in second season. Genotype 6x3 gave the highest weight of 300 seed. Rows planting method produced 8.440 ton ha-1 and the genotypes 6x3 and 3003 had the highest grain yield 9.013 and 10.389 ton ha-1, respectively.