PERFORMANCE OF HYBRID MAIZE (Zea mays L.) GROWN AT VARYING PLANT POPULATIONS

ABSTRACT

Maize (Zea mays L.) productivity has increased globally as a result of improved genetics and agronomic practices. Fertilizer application has been key in this increase. However, there is a corresponding reduction in the cultivation of maize without fertilizer, and less current information about it. Hence, a trial was conducted during the late cropping season (September - December) of 2021 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, to evaluate the performance of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) grown at varying plant populations (17777, 26666, 33333, 53333 and 66666) under zero fertilizer application. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data were collected on plant height, 1000-seed weight, grain yield and stover yield. Results show that plant population did not affect plant height and 1000-seeed weight, but influenced grain and stover yield. Grain yield increased with increase in plant population. Plant populations of 17777 and 26666 plants per ha had similar grain yields (497- 605 kg/ha). Similarly, plant populations of 33333, 53333 and 66666 plants per ha had similar grain yields (1525-1836 kg/ha). But the later was significantly higher than the former. Stover yield increased with increase in plant population, peaked at 53, 333 plants per ha and then there was a slight decrease in yield. The findings show that maize yields are low with zero fertilizer use. For good yield, adequate use of fertilizers is necessary.