The effect of row spacing, planting pattern and density on weed control and morpho physiological characteristics of corn (Zea may L.)

To evaluate the effect of row spacing, planting pattern and density on weed control and morpho physiological characteristics of corn (Zea may L.), the experimental was carried out factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the farm of Moghan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Station in 2022. The first factor included row spacing in two levels (75 and 65 cm), the second factor was planting pattern in two levels (single row and zigzag twin row) and the third factor was planting density in two levels (75,000 and 85,000 plants per hectare). The results showed that the highest grain yield and leaf area belonged to the density of 75000 plants per hectare and the row spacing of 75 cm. The highest density and total biomass of weed was observed at density of 75,000 plants per hectare and row spacing of 75 cm, But the lowest density and total biomass of weed was obtained from the density of 85,000 plants per hectare and row spacing of 65 cm. The maximum cob diameter, cob wood diameter and leaf chlorophyll index were obtained at the density of 75,000 plants per hectare with the row spacing of 75 cm and the single row planting pattern. Correlation coefficients between traits showed that the correlation between grain yield with total weed biomass, cob diameter, cob wood diameter, seed depth and leaf chlorophyll index is positive and significant. Generally, the results of this research showed that with extending of twin row patterns with increased density of corn, it is possible to control weed through the competitive ability of the plant, it achieved an acceptable performance.