Plant populations and yields of rainfed maize (Zea mays L) grown in wet and dry seasons of the Tropics

Farmers in the tropics grow maize under rainfed conditions in smallholdings, in both wet and dry seasons. The plant populations used by farmers generally do not vary with seasons, and crop losses Occur due to high densities, especially in the dry season. Most studies On the impact of plant densities of maize in the tropics,ire based on a single season. Field experiments were undertaken to evaluate the impact of five densities on vegetative growth, yield and yield components and yields of maize, grown in wet and dry seasons Under rainfed conditions Germination of seeds was not affected by the season, although leaf emergence was delayed in the dry season. Vegetative growth of shoots was higher in the wet season, while root weights were greater in the dry season. The better growth of plants in the wet season resulted in better Yields at all populations tested. However, optimal yields were not obtained at the highest plant densities and the percentage loss in yield due to greater densities was higher in the wet season. The impact and importance of optimal plant Populations Oil maize grown under rainfed conditions of the tropics are presented Oil the basis Of this study.