engleski

Seed yield of Bc maize inbred lines as affected by plant population densities

Plant population density (PPD) is one of most important factor determining the yield of maize crop because of its effect on leaf area and photosynthetic activity. Optimal PPD for maize hybrids is well documented. However, maize inbred lines are characterised by smaller leaf area per plant, and consequently, optimal PPD for inbred lines may differ than those for hybrids of similar maturity. Growing conditions may also significantly affect seed yields of maize inbred lines. A field study was conducted over two growing seasons on two sites (Maksimir and Rugvica). The effect of various PPDs (60.000, 75.000 i 90.000 plants ha-1) on seed yield were determined on three Bc inbred lines grown under intensive management. Seed yields at PPD of 60.000 plants ha-1 averaged 4923 kg ha-1. Higher PPDs produced larger seed yields despite of significant decreases in 1000-kernel weight and kernel number per plant, as well as increased number of barren plants ha-1. Compared to the smallest PPD, seed yields increased by an average of 9, 8% at 75.000 and 16, 4% at 90.000 plants ha-1. Growing season and site significantly influenced seed yields. Tested maize inbred lines differed for seed yields, whereas a significant PPD × inbred interaction was also found. Our findings indicated that seed yields of Bc inbred lines might be increased when grown under higher PPDs (up to 90.000 plants ha-1), but these yield increments were inbred specific.

maize; inbred line; seed yield; plant population density

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