Weed Control Regime And Plant Population Density Effects On The Growth And Yield Of Early Maturing Maize (Zea Mays L.) Variety.

Abstract

This study was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of weed control strategies and plant population density on the growth and yield of early maturing maize variety. The experiment was conducted at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mampong Campus, Multipurpose Crop Nursery in two cropping seasons (major and minor) in the year 2023. The experimental design was Split-plot arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plot factor was weed control which included (i) weed free (weed regularly at every 2 weeks), (ii) weed once at 4 weeks after planting (WAP), (iii) weed twice at 2 and 6 weeks after planting (WAP), and (iv) unweeded (control) and the sub plot factor was plant population density (PP) which also included (i) 80 cm x 30 cm (83,333 plants/ha), (ii) 80 cm x 40 cm (62, 500 plants/ha) and (iii) 80 cm x 50 cm (50,000 plants/ha). The results showed that Weeding at 2 and 6 weeks after planting and 80 cm x 40 cm and the interaction significantly produced taller maize plant and greater number of leaves. Weeding once at 4 weeks after planting and 80 cm x 40 cm also produced higher plant dry matter. Weeding at every 2 weeks and 80 cm x 40 cm produced longer cobs, although the difference was not significant. Weeding regularly every 2 weeks significantly produced heavier stover and more grain yield during the minor season only. 80 cm x 30 cm (83,330 plants/ha) significantly produced heavier stover in both seasons and grain yield during the major season. All the treatment produced significant benefit to cost ratio. Weed once + 80 × 50 cm, weed twice + 80 × 40 cm, Weed twice + 80 × 30 cm and Weed free + 80 × 30 cm dominated over other treatments, where Weed twice + 80 × 40 cm had the highest marginal rate of return. Regular weeding every two weeks after planting or twice at two and six weeks after planting, along with a planting distance of 80 cm x 30 cm (83,333 plants/ha) or 80 cm x 40 cm (62,500 plants/ha), or a combination of weeding every two weeks after planting and 80 cm x 30 cm (83,333 plants/ha), could result in higher maize productivity and higher economic returns.