EFFECTS OF VARIETIES AND INTRA-ROW SPACING ON GROWTH, YIELD COMPONENTS AND GREEN COB YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) UNDER SUPPLEMENTARY IRRIGATION AT GULISO, WESTERN ETHIOPIA

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. In connection with this, information is lacking on optimum plant population under supplementary irrigation condition during the off-season in Guliso District. Therefore this study was conducted during December 2017 to May 2018 under supplementary irrigation at Gulliso district, West Wollega Zone of Oromia Regional State, to determine the effects of variety and intra-row spacing on growth, yield components and green cob yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted in factorial arrangement of four intra-row spacing (20, 25, 30 and 35 cm) with corresponding plant densities of 66,667 plants ha-1(20 cm),53,333 plantsha-1(25 cm) ,44,444 plants ha-1(30 cm) and 38,093 (35 cm) plants ha-1.Three maize varieties (BH546, Shone and BHQPY-545) in RCBD. The main effect of variety was highly significant (P