Abstract
Determination of optimum plant population and the use of improved varieties in combination with appropriate agronomic practices are important components of maize production package for maximizing productivity. The study was conducted 2017- 2018 under supplementary irrigation at 9o 10' 00'' N' latitude and 35o22' 00′′ E longitude, Western Ethiopia, to determining the effects of variety and intra-row spacing on yield of maize (Zea mays L.), the same application of irrigation water. The experiment was conducted in factorial arrangement of four intra-row spacing (20, 25, 30 and 35cm) with three maize varieties (BH546, Shone and BHQPY-545) in RCBD. The interaction of variety and intra-row spacing was highly significant (P<0.01) on yield components and yield of maize. The highest (1.75) average number of ears per plant was recorded from varieties BH546 and BHQPY-545 at 35cm intra-row spacing. The highest (35cm) ear length was recorded from BH546 at 35cm intra-row spacing. Generally, leaf area, stand count, ears per plant, ear length, and ear diameter showed a decreasing trend with decreasing intra-row spacing. Based on these results, it can be tentatively concluded that the variety BH546 could be used at plant density of 53,333 plants ha-1 and (25cm) intra-row spacing is best to get the highest green cob yield of maize under supplemental irrigation during the off-season in the study area.
Highlights
Maize (Zea mays L) is the most widely grown cereal crop in Ethiopia
Days to 50% Anthesis The impact of Supplemental irrigation (SI) goes beyond yield increase to substantially improving water productivity
Regarding the longest ear (35cm) of maize was observed from variety BH546 treated fewer than 35cm intra-rows spacing; while the variety BHQPY-545 produced shortest ear length (31.67cm) at the same intra-row spacing might be due to genetic variation among these varieties
Summary
Maize (Zea mays L) is the most widely grown cereal crop in Ethiopia. It ranks third after wheat and rice in hectare and total production. While most of sub Saharan Africa maize production is based on rainfed systems [3], there is a need to find out alternative soil moisture conservation strategies to mitigate drought effects. In these regards mulching, tied ridges, terracing, bunding, supplementary irrigation method are some of the methods with high soil water conservation potential. The production of maize under irrigation takes on a special significance; because there is high demand for green fresh consumption during off season as long as water is Tasisa Temesgen: Effects of Varieties and Intra Row Spacing on Yield of Maize (Zea mays L) Under
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