Population Density and Double Row Cropping Technique on Seed Yield of Waxy Corn (cv Samlee Esan) under Drip Irrigation System

Abstract

Waxy corn cultivar ‘Samlee Esan’ is an open-pollinated variety known for its high eating quality and has recently been in demand among small-scale farmers. Producing corn seed using a drip irrigation system may result in high-quality seed and reduce water usage in the seed production process. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of plant density on the seed yield of waxy corn. Waxy corn cv. ‘Samlee Esan’ was evaluated at four plant densities including 12,800, 10,240, 8,320, and 7,040 plants per rai using a randomized complete block design with four replications during the dry season of 2023 (February-May, 2023) at the Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University. The crop was grown using a double-row planting system, and drip irrigation was installed to provide optimal water for crop growth. The results indicated no significant differences among plant densities in terms of plant height, ear height, silking date, anthesis date, ear diameter, ear length, number of seeds per ear, and the percentage of barren plants. Plant densities showed significant differences (P≤0.01) for total ear number, normal ear number, total seed yield, normal seed yield, and maximum seed yield. Total ear number and total seed yield showed a highly positive correlation with plant density, normal ear number, normal seed yield, and maximum seed yield. Corn grown at high plant densities produced higher harvested ears and greater seed yield, but it is not practical for crop management. A plant density of 8,320 plants/rai by double row cropping system under drip irrigation is recommended for waxy corn cv ‘Samlee Esan’ seed production, as it is practical for field management and does not negatively impact average seed yield.