Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Field Crops, College of Agriculture, Tikrit University

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Station of the Field Crops Department at the College of Agriculture, Tikrit University, during autumn season of 2024. The aim was to determine the best autumn planting dates and plant density, and their impact on growth, yield, and quality of maize seeds. The study included two factors: three planting dates (1/8, 15/8, and 1/9) and three plant densities (83,333, 71,428, and 62,500 plant ha-1). The field study was implemented according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Results showed that second planting date outperformed all studied traits.  Lowest planting density was superior in leaf chlorophyll content, stem diameter, protein and oil content. While 71428 plant ha-1 was superior in leaf area, ear length, number of rows per ear, and number of seeds per row. The high planting density was superior in plant height, and seed yield.
 

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