Response of maize single-cross hybrids to reduced row spacing

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the effects of using narrow row spacing on grain yield, grain components and on other agronomic traits of maize single-cross hybrids. Two experiments were conducted in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In the 1997/98 growing season, treatments were composed by two single-cross hybrids (Cargill 901 and Braskalb XL 212) and four row spacings (40, 60, 80 and 100 cm). In the 1998/99 growing season, two single-cross hybrids were tested at two plant densities (50,000 and 65,000 pl./ha) and four row spacings (40, 60, 80 and 100 cm). Maize grain yield was influenced by hybrid and plant density. The reduction in row spacing promoted a high grain yield specially for hybrids with a low plant height sown at the density of 50,000 pl./ha.