Abstract
This study was carried out to compare and analyze how spacing influenced the performance and yield of late maize in Egwi, Etche Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria between September-December in 2013 and 2014. The study adopted experimental research design. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. One maize variety was evaluated under three spacing for performance data such as plant heights, stem girths, number of leaves, number of nodes and leaf area and for the yield, data were collected on cob length, cob weight, cob + husk weight, cob diameter and 1000-grain weight (yield). The results obtained 56 days after planting (DAP) in the two years of study showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in plant height, stem girth and leaf area. The 70 x 30 and 60 x 40 cm spacing gave higher values of the morphological parameters than 80 x 20 cm. With regard to yield, 80 x 20 cm gave the highest average cob weight of 0.74 kg and 1000-grain weight (yield) of 0.27t/ha. Based on the findings of the study, the 80 x 20 cm spacing was recommended for local farmers in Etche for maximum yield and economic returns. Key words: Etche Local Government Area (LGA), maize plant, Nigeria, Rivers State, spacing.
Highlights
Maize (Zea mays) is a member of the grass family Graminae
One maize variety was evaluated under three spacing for performance data such as plant heights, stem girths, number of leaves, number of nodes and leaf area and for the yield, data were collected on cob length, cob weight, cob + husk weight, cob diameter and 1000-grain weight
Results obtained from the study on comparative analysis of the three different spacing (80 x 20, 70 x 30 and 60 x 40 cm) and the effects on the morphological parameters of the maize plants in 2013 and 2014 are presented in Tables 2 to 6
Summary
Maize (Zea mays) is a member of the grass family Graminae. It originated from South and Central America. It was introduced to West Africa by the Portuguese in the 10th century. It arrived Nigeria in the 16th century (FAO, 2012). Maize has been in the diet of Nigerians for centuries. It started as a subsistence crop and has gradually become an important commercial crop on which many agro-based industries depend on for raw material (Ike and Amusa, 2004). In Nigeria, maize is prepared and used for different types of foods and it has some medicinal values
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