SPACING EFFECT ON LEAF AREA FORMATION IN MAIZE: 1. CORRELATION STUDIES IN GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, YIELD

Correlation studies on growth, yield components, and yield of maize (Zea mays) sown to two spacings: 20 x 75 and 25 × 75 cm were undertaken at Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. The trial's goal was to determine the influence of plant spacing on leaf area (LA) and the consequences for maize development, yield components, and yield; LA plays a significant role in affecting light interception, which has an impact on crop growth and yield. LA showed a positive and significant correlation coefficient (r) with all of the growth and yield parameters measured, such as leaf number (0.987), plant height (0.992), cob weight (0.998), total seed weight (0.997), and 100 seed weight (0.997), according to the data obtained for 20 x 75 cm (0.995). According to the correlation study, the influence of leaf area had the greatest impact on the final cob weight, which was found to be = 0.998. The strongest correlation value (0.678) was obtained between LA and seeds/cob when the maize crop was spaced 25 x 75 cm. Other factors, including as plant height and leaf quantity, also influenced the final grain production. All of these characters had a strong and positive relationship with Leaf Area. However, when the maize crop was spaced 20 x 75 cm rather than 25 x 75 cm, better responses between LA, growth, and yield characteristics were achieved, indicating that farmers stand to benefit from narrower spacing up to 20 x 75 cm. As a result, it is advised that maize yields be increased by utilising a smaller spacing of 20 × 75 cm rather than the present 25 x 75 cm.

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