International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology

Vol-6, Issue-5; Sep-Oct, 2021

Journal Home Page Available: https://ijeab.com/

Journal DOI: 10.22161/ijeab

Effect of Intra Row Spacing on the Growth and Yield of

Maize (Zea Mays L.) Varieties in Southern Guinea
Savanna of Nigeria
Ekwere Uwem Akpan*; Ezelobe Courage Afegheze; Durkwah Godiya Young

National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja

*Corresponding Author

Received: 11 Sep 2021; Received in revised form: 18 Oct 2021; Accepted: 25 Oct 2021; Available online: 31 Oct 2021
©2021 The Author(s). Published by Infogain Publication. This is an open access article under the CC BY license
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Abstract— This study was carried out at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of
Abuja on latitude 6°45’ and 7°39’ East and Longitude 8°25’ and 9°20’ North in the Southern Guinea
Savanna Zone of Nigeria, during the cropping season of 2018 to evaluate the effects of intra-row spacing
on growth and yield of maize varieties. Two hybrid maize varieties Dekalb920 and Dekalb 818 sourced
from National Seed Council of Nigeria were evaluated under six different intra-row spacing’s of 14cm,
18,21,25,30,and 37cm, with gross plot of 15m and net plot 0f 9m for such Parameters as plant height,
number of leaves, leaf area/index, stem diameter and grain yield. It was a factorial combination
experiment laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results
obtained during the 12th week after sowing indicated that hybrid variety Dekalb920 which had mean plant
height of 273.06cm, number of leaves of 16, leaf area of 734cm2 and grain yield of 8,0t/ha among other
parameters was superior to Dekalb818 variety investigated. With respect to intra-row spacing, plants sown
on 14 cm had higher mean plant height and number of leaves of 287.7 cm and 16, respectively while plants
sown on intra-row spacing of 37 cm had mean plant height of 251.7 cm2 and number of leaves up to 15
respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that optimum intra row spacing and Varietal difference
combination in the study area for the maximum grain yield was 25 cm and 14cm for Dekalb 920 variety
under adequate amount and regular distribution of rainfall. Results showed that variety and spacing were
significantly (P<0.05) different.
Keywords— Maize, growth, yield, spacing, varieties, savanna.

I. INTRODUCTION The male and female inflorescences (flower bearing region

Maize (Zea mays L) is one of the major cereal crops grown of the plant) are positioned separately on the plant. The
in the humid tropics and Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a male inflorescence is known as the 'tassel' while the female
versatile crop and ranks third following wheat and rice in inflorescence is the 'ear'. The ear of the corn is a modified
world production, (FAO, 2002) Maize is an annual crop of spike and there may be 1–3 per plant. The corn grains, or
the family Poaceae, commonly known as the grass family 'kernels', are encased in husks and total 30–1000 per ear.
and is a key source of food and livelihood for millions of The kernels can be white, yellow, red, purple or black in
people in many countries of the world.(Adeniyan,2014). color. Corn is an annual plant, surviving for only one
The corn plant possesses a simple stem of nodes and growing season prior to harvest and can reach 2–3 m (7–10
internodes. A pair of large leaves extends off of each ft) in height. The term maize is derived from the Spanish
internode and the leaves total 8–21 per plant. The leaves form of the Arawak Native American term for the plant.
are linear or lanceolate (lance-like) with an obvious midrib However, it is popularly called corn in the United States,
and can grow from 30 to 100 cm (11.8–39.4 in) in length. Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Corn may also be

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referred to as maize or Indian corn and is believed to United States (+20 mt), Argentina (+5 mt), Indonesia (+5
originate from Mexico and Central America. According to mt) and Viet Nam (+5 mt). Production in Viet Nam and
the FAO reports (2008). Cultural practice improvements Thailand, in particular, will grow due to fast-expanding
like fertilization, using higher yielding varieties and higher poultry industries. Food use of maize is expected to
plant densities will lead to rise in sweet corn yield expand mostly in developing countries due to growing
(Akman, 2002). The importance of the crop arises from its populations and maize is becoming increasingly important
great productivity over an extremely wide range of in diets, especially white maize. Maize will remain an
environmental conditions. It is grown mainly in the important staple for Sub-Saharan Africa, where
tropics, subtropics, and temperate climates, but the best consumption of white maize is expanding and where maize
maize regions are those which receive an annual accounts for about a quarter of total caloric intake. Overall,
precipitation of 600 to 1000mm, except where the crop is African countries show the strongest growth in maize
irrigated (Sprague and Dudley, 1988). consumption for food among all developing countries at
It is mainly used as a food source and now has become the about 3% per annum(p.a.)
most important raw material for animal feed (Dutt, 2005) Among all the factors which affect the corn yield
and one of the main sources of cereals for food, forage remarkably, plant Density is one of the most important
and processed industrial products. It is produced ones and due to its genetic potential, corn yield is different
extensively in Nigeria, where it is consumed roasted, under various plant populations (Abuzar et al., 2011). It
baked, fried, pounded or fermented. Human consumption was reported that new maize cultivars cannot tiller
of corn and corn meal constitutes a staple food in many considerably and usually produce one ear/plant at low
regions of the world. In advanced countries, it is an plant population and interplant competition rows which
important source of many industrial products such as corn affected the total yield negatively since it instigates apical
sugar, corn oil, corn flour, starch, syrup, brewer’s grit and dominance, impels barrenness and finally reduce the
alcohol and the grain is extensively used for the number of ears/plant and grain/ear (Abuzar et al., 2011).
preparation of corn starch, dextrose, corn -flakes, gluten, According to the Sangoi (2001) there is no specific
grain cake, lactic acid and acetone which are used by optimum population density for all the weather conditions
various industries such as textile, foundry, fermentation since it differs based on environmental and controlled
and food industries. Corn oil is used for salad, soap- conditions Low plant density causes minimum corn yield
making and lubrications (Dutt, 2005). due to the leaf area’s little plasticity in each plant
World production of maize is around 790 million tones (Lashkari et al., 2011).
(Chiezey, 2010). By 2050 demand for maize will double Therefore, the objectives of the experiment include;
its presence demand in the developing world and the crop ✓ to compare the performance of the varieties of
is predicted to become the crop with the greatest maize used in this trial as influenced by the
production globally and in the developing world by different intra- row spacing
2025(Abuzar et al., 2011) and the world area of maize ✓ to determine best intra-row spacing for optimum
production was 176 million ha while that of wheat was 216 growth and yield for maize hybrids production in
million ha and rice at 184 million ha as reported in in Nigeria
2017. About 70% of the world maize production area is ✓ to determine the best hybrid maize variety that
found in the developing countries. However, these will give optimum growth and yield of the Crop
countries contribute to only 49% of the world’s maize
production (FAOSTAT, 2016).
II. METHODS
Global maize consumption is projected to increase by
1.3% per annum over the projection period, a slower pace Location of the study
compared to 3.3% p.a . in the previous decade. This The field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm
increase is principally driven by higher feed demand, of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, in the
which holds the largest share of total utilization, rising Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria, during the
from 56% in the base period to around 58% in 2027. cropping season of 2018.It has boundary with Kogi state in
Developing countries account for over three quarters of the the south, Kaduna in the north, Nasarawa in the east and
increase in feed consumption due to fast expanding Niger state by the west. Its total area is about 724,473.9
livestock and poultry sectors. Feed demand is expected to hectares. The major food crops are mainly corn, yams,
rise 120 metric tons (mt) to 699 mt, and major countries millet, beans, cassava, garden eggs, soya beans, melon,
that account for the increase are China (+32 mt), the okra, groundnuts and vegetables. The major occupation

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among the people within the study area is farming. The Dekalb818 and 920hybrids are extremely adaptable and
farm lies on latitude 6°45’N and 7°39’ E and Longitude give superior results all over the World; this comes from
8°25’ and 9°20’ North, 300m altitude. The average proved reliability in dramatically diverse climate
temperature is between 28°C to 30°C in the dry season and conditions that are present during last several years,
can be as high as 40°C or more especially in Gwagwalada depending upon location and weather condition.
area, with sandy loamy soil. The rainy season begins from Dekalb920 is adaptable to a well drain sandy loam soil
April and ends in October with mean annual rainfall of with average rainfall of 600-1000mm and can also grow
1,100mm to 1,800mm(Barnabas and Nwaka,2014), under irrigation condition, It mature between 80 to 90 days
humidity of 14% at planting period and wind of 10km/h after sowing and is high yielding hybrid with excellent
north east. During the rainy season, the area witnesses standard ability. Dekalb818 is high drought resistant
uneasy hot temperature beginning early in the morning, hybrid, can tolerate poor soil and tolerant to folia disease
through the day and the night becomes warm. About 60% and stalk rot. It mature within 90 days after sowing with
of the yearly rains fall from the months of July to long and cylindrical ears, good grain coloration and more
September and the rest of the year is relatively cold and row per cob.
dry. The vegetation of Abuja is dominated by species of
These hybrids are designed for intensive agricultural
plants such as Albizia zygia, Butrospermum paradocium,
production and application of all modern agro-technical
Parkia clappertoniana, Terminalia supera, Bombax
measures in maize production. Dekalb hybrids had been
buonepozenze (Balogun,2001), The vegetation is very
commercialized since 2008.They arrived into our market
important to the people where 60% depend on it for
with top quality hybrids, from wide European offer,
household energy (fuel wood) and construction materials.
characterized by high seed quality for which were shortly
The soil in the study area is deep and well drained Sandy
recognized by agricultural producers as the right choice for
Loam that constitute soil that result from the granite and
their fields. In 2010 offer for Africa market are the hybrids
migmatite as the principal rocks in the area. They have
from all FAO groups significant for our area (FAO 200 –
moderate runoff potential and the texture of the soil is
FAO 600).
typically loamy sand, clay loam and sandy clay. Fertility of
soil is moderate with acidity rating of 5.60 to 5.80(Ishaya
and Grace, 2007) Treatment and Experimental Design
Land Preparation The experimental treatments were 6 different intra-rows
The Experimental land was manually cleared and spacing of 14cm, 18cm, 21cm,25cm, 30cm and 37cm by
mechanically ploughed using a tractor mounted disc 75cm inter row spacing and two maize varieties.
plough, and then harrowed twice to break the soil clods. I. Maize varieties denoted as A which include
Most of the debris was ploughed back into the soil then the Dekalb920 (A1) and Dekalb 818(A2)
experimental plots were laid out using measuring tape and II. Six different intra-rows spacing denoted as B,
pegs 14cm(B1), 18cm(B2), 21cm( B3),25cm( B4),
Planting Material 30cm(B5) and 37cm(B6)
The Planting materials used for the trial were two varieties Thus, a 2 x 6 factorial combination trial was used for the
of maize Dekalb 818 and 920. The maize varieties were treatments and making a total of 12 treatment
obtained from National seed council of Nigeria. Abuja. combinations.
Table 1: Treatment Combinations
Combination Varieties Intra-row spacing
A1B1 Dekalb 920 14cm
A1B2 Dekalb 920 18cm
A1B3 Dekalb 920 21cm
A1B4 Dekalb 920 25cm
A1B5 Dekalb 920 30cm
A1B6 Dekalb 920 37cm
A2B1 Dekalb 818 14cm
A2B2 Dekalb 818 18cm

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A2B3 Dekalb 818 21cm

A2B4 Dekalb 818 25cm
A2B5 Dekalb 818 30cm
A2B6 Dekalb 818 37cm

Table. 2: Plant Population Per hectares and Per Plots

S/N Spacing (cm) Plant Population per hectare Population per plot
1 14cm 95,238 plants/ha 143plants
2 18cm 74,074 plants/ha 112 plants
3 21cm 63,492 plants/ha 96 plants
4 25cm 53,333 plants/ha 80 plants
5 30cm 44,444 plants/ha 68 plants
6 37cm 36,036 plants/ha 56 plants

Experimental Design Six plants were chosen at random from the net plots at the
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with center of the gross plot. Plant height for each plant was
3replications was used in the study. Factorial arrangement measured from the ground level of the plant to the tip of
was used in organizing the treatments which were fitted central spike tassel. The mean height of the six plants was
into the Design Each replicate contained 12 plots, of recorded.
3m×5m sizes giving 15m2 gross plot and 9m2 net plot and Number of Leaves per Plant
separated by 1m allay pathway. Thus a total of 36 plots Six plants were randomly selected within the Net plot and
were used for the experiment. number of leaves in each selected plant was counted. The
Sowing mean number of leaves per plant was obtained.
Sowing of one seed per hole was done on the 22nd July Leaf Area Index
2018.The various plant spacing gave the different plant Six leaves from six randomly selected plants in the Area of
populations. Maize seeds were sown at depth of between the net plot were measured at the fourth leaf from the top
2cm -3cm in plots measuring 5m x 3m using six different of the plant, because it is fully expanded. Maximum length
spacing’s listed above. and width of the leaf were determined to obtain the leaf
Fertilizer application area. The Maize leaf area was estimated by multiplying the
N: P::K 20:10:10 was applied 14 days after planting at length and width of the leaf and the product was adjusted
recommended rate for maize at 200kg/ha and Urea 46%N by a factor 0.75 according to Francis et al (1960). This was
at 150kg/ha. done for all the leaves taken and added up to give the leaf
area per plant. The leaf area per plant was divided by area
Pest and disease control
of ground cover to get the leaf area index (LAI)
There was incidence of Stem borer (Busseola fusca) and it
LA = maximum length × maximum width × 0.75
was controlled by spraying the affected maize plant with
Sharp shooter at the rate of 8.8kg ai/ha at 6WAS. Where 0.75 is a fixed factor

Weed control 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑓 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎

𝐿𝐴𝐼 =
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑
Para force and Atrazine were applied as pre-emergence
herbicide at the rate of 1.6kg ai/ha and later supplemented Stem Diameter (cm)
with manual weeding using hoe at 4WAS and 8WAS. Stem girth was measured on the selected plants using tape
Data Collection and was reported in millimeters.

Growth Parameters
Plant Height (cm)

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Plant Stand Count Effects of Variety and Spacing and Varietal difference
From each plot the number of stands was counted to on Plant Height (cm) of Maize
determine the plant population per plot. The effects of variety and spacing on plant height of two
Grain Yields (tons/ha) maize varieties are shown in Table 4. There were
significant differences also in the plant height of the maize
The grain yield was determined by using the dry grain
varieties investigated. Variety 920 gave taller plants of
weight after harvesting, threshing and winnowing in the air
287.7 cm at 9th weeks after sowing, followed by 818 with
to remove chaff using a Mettle Toledo sensitive balance
height of 281.7cm. With respect to spacing, maize plants
and converted to tons/ha.
sown at 14 cm in 2018 gave taller than other plants spacing
Statistical Analysis during the 9th weeks with height of 287.7 cm and 281.7cm
The data collected were subjected to Statistical analysis for for variety one and two respectively at 9thweeks. These
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SAS – Statistical were followed by plants sown at 18cm; 21cm and 25cm.
Analytical Structure procedure and the means were Plants sown at37 cm were the shortest. The results showed
separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) that variety and spacing were significantly (P< 0.05)
different throughout the period of the evaluation and
positively affected plant height.
III. RESULTS
Table 4 Effect of Intra-row Spacing and Varietal
Effect of intra- row spacing on the growth of maize difference on Plant Height (cm) of maize
varieties
Spacing (cm) Variety 1 Variety 2
Stand Count
14 287.7 281.7
The results showed that variety and spacing were
significantly (P< 0.05) different throughout the period of 18 275.3 275.7
the evaluation and positively affected the stand count. The 21 272.7 271.0
effect of intra-row spacing on the stand count of two maize
25 275.0 266.0
varieties Dekalb 920 and Dekalb 818 is shown in table 3.
The two varieties gave statistically similar percent stand 30 268.0 260.3
count in respect to the intra-row spacing however, varying 37 259.7 251.7
intra-row spacing shows significant differences in
Grand Mean 273.06 267.7
emergence of two maize varieties. Spacing 14 cm gave the
highest count stand while 37 cm gave the least stand count LSD (α < 0.05) 7.53 10.11
of maize Means with the same letter in a column of each factor are
Table 3 Effect of Intra-row Spacing and Varietal not significantly different at (P ≤ 0.05), LSD = Least
difference on Stand Count/Plot of maize Significant Difference, V1= Dekalb 920, V2 = Dekalb 818

Spacing (cm) Variety 1 Variety 2

Effects of intra-row Spacing and Variety on Number of
14 138.67 139.67 Leaves per Plant of Maize
18 107.00 108.00 The results indicated that variety and spacing were
21 94.00 92.33 significantly (P < 0.05) different and positively affected
25 75.33 76.00 number of leaves of maize. The response of number of
leaves of two maize varieties to different intra-row spacing
30 64.67 63.00
is shown in Table 5. The mean number of leaves of maize
37 52.33 53.00 variety Dekalb 920 and 818 were similar at 9 weeks, which
Grand Mean 88.67 88.67 indicated that the trend in the number of leaves did not
change. Based on spacing, plants sown at 14 cm had the
LSD (α < 0.05) 2.95 2.88
highest number of leaves at 9 weeks after sowing in the
Means with the same letter in a column of each factor are evaluation. There were significant differences in number
not significantly different at (P ≤ 0.05), LSD = Least of leaves of plants sown at both 14 cm and other spacing.
Significant Difference, V1= Dekalb 920, V2 = Dekalb 818

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Table 5. Effect of Intra-row Spacing and Varietal Effect of Intra-row Spacing and Varietal difference on
difference on Number of Leaves/Plant of maize leaf Area Index of maize
Spacing (cm) Variety 1 Variety 2 Table 7 shows the effect of intra-row spacing on leaf area
Index (LAI) of two maize varieties. Varietal differences
14 16.00 16.00 did not result in significant differences in LAI in the
18 16.00 15.33 evaluation. Varying spacing caused significant differences
21 15.33 15.00 in LAI, with each decrease in spacing significantly
increasing LAI in sampling period .The results showed that
25 15.00 15.00 variety and spacing were significantly (P < 0.05) different
30 15.00 15.00 and positively affected leaf area index of maize.
37 15.00 15.00 Table 7 Effect of Intra-row Spacing and Varietal
Grand Mean 15.39 15.22 difference on leaf Area Index of maize

LSD (α < 0.05) 0.43 0.43 Spacing (cm) Variety 1 Variety 2

Means with the same letter in a column of each factor are 14 14.03 13.77
not significantly different at (P ≤ 0.05), LSD = Least
18 13.07 13.00
Significant Difference, V1= Dekalb 920, V2 = Dekalb 818
21 12.50 12.33
25 12.20 12.13
Effect of intra-row Spacing and Varietal difference on
Leaf Area per Plant of Maize 30 11.57 11.40

The response of leaf area of two maize varieties to 37 11.27 11.10

different spacing is shown in Table 6. There were Grand Mean 12.44 12.29
significant differences in leaf area of the two maize LSD (α < 0.05) 0.18 0.45
varieties evaluated. In the 9th week, maize variety 920 had
the highest leaf area (763.30 cm), followed by 818 which Means with the same letter in a column of each factor are
had 758.3 cm. Dekalb 818 plants had the smallest leaf area not significantly different at (P ≤ 0.05), LSD = Least
(690.3 cm). Based on spacing, plants sown at 37 cm were Significant Difference V1= Dekalb 920, V2 = Dekalb 818
superior in leaf area with values of 763.30 cm at 9WAS.
The superiority in leaf area based on spacing was 37 cm > Effects of intra-row Spacing and Varietal difference on
30 cm > 25 cm> 21cm > 18cm > x 14cm. The results Stem Diameter of Maize
showed that variety and spacing were significantly (P <
The effect of intra-row spacing on stem girth of maize is
0.05) different and positively affected leaf area of maize.
shown in Table 8.Variety 920 had the highest stem girth of
Table 6 Effect of Intra-row Spacing and Varietal 11.20cm, while variety 818 had 11.00cm at 9th week after
difference on leaf area (cm) of maize sowing. Based on spacing, maize plants sown at spacing of
Spacing (cm) Variety 1 Variety 2 37 cm were superior in stem girth while plants sown at
spacing of 14 cm had the smallest stem girths. The results
14 704.00 690.3 showed that variety and spacing were significantly (P <
18 717.30 715.0 0.05) different and positively affected stem girth of maize.
21 726.00 723.3 Table 8 Effect of Intra-row Spacing and Varietal
25 739.70 733.0 difference on Stem Diameter (cm) of maize

30 753.30 745.0 Spacing (cm) Variety 1 Variety 2

37 763.30 758.3 14 8.20 8.03

Grand Mean 733.9 727.5 18 8.70 8.57
LSD (α < 0.05) 8.96 20.35 21 9.13 9.03
Means with the same letter in a column of each factor are 25 9.77 9.50
not significantly different at (P ≤ 0.05), LSD = Least 30 10.33 10.23
Significant Difference, V1= Dekalb 920, V2 = Dekalb
818. 37 11.20 11.00

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Grand Mean 9.56 9.39 et al.(1996) and Ibrahim et al.(2000) that attributed the
LSD (α < 0.05) 3.07 2.63 differences in growth indices of crops to genetic
constitution. Maize plants spaced 14cm intra-row spacing
Means with the same letter in a column of each factor are were taller than other plants possibly because of increased
not significantly different at (P ≤ 0.05), LSD = Least competition for space, sunlight and available nutrients.
Significant Difference, V1= Dekalb 920, V2 = Dekalb This is similar to the findings of Teasdale (1995),
818 Widdicombe and Thelen (2002), and Dalley et al. (2006)
who attributed the increased growth rates and earlier
The analysis revealed that the effect of intra- row spacing, canopy closure of narrow row spaced crops to quest for
variety and the plant density was significant (P < 0.05) for increased light interception as well as increased
grain yield as shown in (table 9). Mean comparisons availability of soil moisture because of equidistant
showed that Dekalb 920 maize variety at 25cm spacing distribution of crop plants. It is also consistent with the
had the highest yield of (8.00ton/ha average) and was reports of Al-Rudha and Al-Youmis (1998) that maize
followed by 14cm spacing which had (7.70 ton/ha average) sown at 15cm had the highest plant height compared with
which was due to grain weight. Also, Dekalb 818 variety their counterparts sown at wider intra-row spacing.
at 14cm spacing had the third highest yield (7.33ton/ha The increase in plant population with the decrease of plant
average) and was followed by 18cm spacing which had spacing obtained in this study is obvious since plant
(7.27ton/ha average). The result shows that the two spacing is used as a tool to increase or decrease plant
varieties at 14cm intra- row spacing had a higher grain density. These results were supported by Roy and Quazem
yield compared to the 37cm intra- row spacing which (1987).Roy and Biswas (1992) and Larson and Hanway
means that the trend of changes in the two maize varieties (1977) who reported that, narrow plant spacing had
to row spacing was similar and positively affected grain resulted in high plant population. On the other hand, plant
yield of maize. population is always a function of seed germination
Table 9 Effect of Intra-row Spacing and Varietal percentage and will not be affected when the plant is sown
difference on Grain Yield (t/ha) of maize on the top of the ridge or on the bottom of the ridge, unless
the soil is saline. Salt accumulation on the top of the ridge
Spacing (cm) Variety 1 Variety 2
may result in poor seed germination and consequently low
14 7.70 7.33 plant population. Therefore, these significant differences in
plant population between the two varieties and the intra-
18 6.30 7.27 row spacing between plants in this study might probably
21 6.63 6.27 be due to the fact that seedlings emergence and
25 8.00 7.13 establishment of the two varieties were similar.

30 6.03 5.33 The similarity observed in the number of leaves of the two
maize varieties may be attributed to growth characters
37 5.97 6.30
which are being influenced by genetic make-up of the
Grand Mean 6.77 6.61 plants. This is similar to the findings of Sajjan et al.,
(2002) who reported that, growth characters of crops are
based on their genetic make-up. Maize plant sown on
LSD (α < 0.05) 1.12 0.94
14cm spacing had higher number of leaves than their
Means with the same letter in a column of each factor are counterparts which were sown at wider spacing possibly
not significantly different at (P ≤ 0.05), LSD = Least because of increased growth rate in search for space,
Significant Difference V1= Dekalb920, V2 = Dekalb 818 sunlight and other environmental resources. This is
consistent with the findings of Al-Rudha and Al-Youmis
(1998) and Ali et al. (2003) that made similar reports on
IV. DISCUSSION
15cm-spaced maize plants.
Effect of Intra-row Spacing and Varietal Difference on
The differences observed in leaf area of the two varieties
the Growth and Yield of Maize
of maize sown could be attributed to the differences
The differential growth with respect to plant height photosynthetic activities of leaves, differences in
observed among the two varieties may be attributed to chlorophyll content and activity of photosynthetic
differences in genetic characteristics of the individual enzymes. This is similar to the findings of Gwizdek (1989)
varieties, including rapid growth rates, tallness or shortness who attributed the differences between the leaf area and
of the varieties. This is similar to the findings of Majambu

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other growth characters of maize genotypes to differences maize varieties have yield advantage over other maize
in photosynthetic activity of leaves, chlorophyll content, varieties because they possess special qualities as high
stomata conductance value and activity of photosynthetic yield, disease resistance, and early maturity, uniformity in
enzymes. The differences observed in leaf area is also flowering and ear placement, and ease of harvesting using
similar to the findings of Akinfoesoye et al., (1997); combined harvester. Maize plants sown at spacing of 37cm
Odeleye and Odeleye (2001) who suggested that, since were superior in stem girth over those sown at narrower or
maize varieties differ in leaf area, other growth characters smaller spacing possibly because the plants obtained more
as well as in yield and its components, breeders must select soil moisture and nutrients than narrower-spaced plants.
most promising combiners in their breeding programs. This is similar to the findings of Barbier et al. (2000);
Increased intra-row spacing resulted in larger leaf area Hamayan (2003); Dalley et al. (2006) and Azam et al.
possibly because there was a reduction in competition for (2007) who reported that, wider-spaced maize plants
space, sunlight and nutrients within the wider spaced obtained more soil moisture and nutrients than narrower
plants. This is similar to the findings of Ali et al., (2003) plants. Also, Kunuskan, O, (2000) reported that, stem
who reported that, competition between maize plants for diameter were lower in higher plant densities as a
light, soil fertility and other environmental factors were consequence of interplant competitions.
markedly increased with highest population but decreased Effect of Intra-row Spacing and Varietal Differences on
with lower plant population. Yield of Maize
Leaf area index is an important parameter of maize. In our The superiority of Dekalb 920 maize variety over 818
research, increase in LAI explains the general crop trends maize with respect to grain yield may be attributed to the
that increasing plant density increases leaf area index on special qualities credited to the hybrids, including disease
account of more area occupied by green canopy of plants resistance, early maturity, uniformity in flowering and ear-
per unit area. On the other hand, increasing leaf area index placement, and very high yield and the genetic make-up of
is one of the ways of increasing the capture of solar the Variety. This is similar to the findings of Obi (1999),
radiation within the canopy and accumulation of dry Kim (1997), Olakojo et al. (1998) and Udoh (2005) who
matter. Responses of dry matter accumulation and leaf area reported that, some hybrid maize varieties have yield
index were similar when plant density was increased or advantage over other maize varieties because they possess
intra-row spacing was decreased. These results are in close such special qualities as high yield, disease resistance, and
conformity with the results obtained by Winter and early maturity, uniformity in flowering and ear placement.
Ohleroch (1999) who found that LAI in maize increases Maize plants sown at spacing of 25cm were superior in
with increase in plant density. The increasing of LAI was grain yield and closely followed by maize sown at spacing
attributed to the rise in total leaf area/plant (Alam, Haider, 14cm. However, the higher grain yield obtained at closer
2006; Yasari, Patwardhan, 2006). intra-row spacing (25cm and 14cm), could be attributed to
The highest leaf area index obtained in 14cm intra-row higher number of plants and harvestable cobs at optimum
spacing by the two varieties in this study could be due to spacing. This result was in conformity with the findings of
variation in environmental factors, influenced by genotype, Okanet.al. (2004) that obtained highest grain yield from
plant population, climatic condition and soil fertility. closest intra-row spacing of 20cm.There was no significant
Higher plant population produced which offset the effect differences in yield ha-1 between the two varieties. This
of large leaf area produced at 37cm intra-row spacing. This finding confirmed the result obtained by Mani et al.
result is supported by Winter and Ohlrogge (1973) and (2002), who observed a non-significant increase in grain
Scarbook and Doss (1973) who reported that leaf area yield ha-1 between maize varieties of Dekalb. The higher
index increased with the increase of plant population. The cob and grain yields so obtained at 25 cm and 14cm could
significant differences in leaf area and leaf area index also be due to fact that more cobs are harvested under this
between plant spacing were reported. population (Mani et al., 2002, Iqtas and Acar, 2006,
The superiority of Dekalb 920 maize variety over 818 Valentinus and Tollenaar, 2006, Onyango, 2009). .
maize variety with respect to stem diameter may be Optimum plant density for maximum grain yield per unit
attributed to the special qualities credited to hybrids. This area may differ from hybrid to hybrid on account of
was probably due to the fertility of the soil used for the significant interactions between hybrids and densities
experiment which resulted in an equal ratio between the (Farnham, 2001; Widdicombe and Thelen, 2002;
leaves and the stems of the two varieties. This is similar to Tokatlidis et al., 2005) Therefore from the result so
the findings of Obi (1999), Kim (1997), Olakojo et al. obtained from this study it is therefore eminent that higher
(1998) and Udoh (2005) who reported that some hybrid grain yield for the newly developed extra-early maize
variety is possible at 25 cm and 14cm intra-row spacing.

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Ekwere Uwem Akpan et al. International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 6(5)-2021

V. CONCLUSION moisture in corn (Zea mays).Weed Technology, 20: 399 –

409. DIPA (2006)..
The result of present study showed that Intra-row spacing
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[14] FAOSTAT (Food and Agriculture Organization of the
eminent that higher grain yield for the Dekalb 920 maize United Nations) (2016)
variety is possible at 14 cm and 25cm intra-row spacing x [15] Food and Agriculture Data,
1 plants per hole which can be adopted by farmers .https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/
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[16] Gwizdek, S. (1989).Role of photosynthesis in some maize
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