Effect of Plant Density and Planting Pattern on Grain Yield and Yield Components in Grain Maize cv. KSC704

To examine the effects of plant density and planting pattern on grain yield and yield components of maize cv. KSC704, a field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station of Gorgan in 2003 and 2004 cropping seasons. Two planting patterns (one row and two rows) and four plant densities (55, 65, 75, 85 thousands plants per hectar) were evaluated in factorial arrangement (2 × 4) using randomized compelet block design. Results showed that all measured characteristics except number of rows and kernel in row were affected by year. The highest grain yield was harvested in 2004 cropping season. Grain yield and ear length were also affected by planting pattern. The highest grain yield (7.43 ton/ha) was obtained from two rows planting pattern. All measured characteristics except number of rows was affected by plant density and the highest grain yield was obtained from 75000 plants per hectar. It is concluded that by using two rows planting pattern the inter-plant competition was decreased and 75000 plants per hectar could be recommended for grain maize in Golestan Province.