Performance of maize (Zea mays) as influenced by intra-row spacing and weeding regime in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

In the 2017 and 2018 wet seasons, field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Kogi State University, Anyigba to examine the performance of maize (Zea mays) as influenced by intra-row spacing and five weeding regimes. The experimental design was a slit-plot in a randomized complete block design replicated three times with intra-row spacing allocated to the main plots and weeding regimes allocated to the sub plots. The treatments were three intra-row spacings (20, 25 and 30cm) and five weeding regimes (one hoe-weeding at 3WAS, two hoe-weeding at 3 and 6 WAS, one hoe-weeding at 6 WAS, regular weeding up to 8 WAS and the weedy check).Results indicated that intra-row spacing had no significant effect on days to 50% tasseling and on plant height at maturity. Grain yields were impressive in plots hoe-weeded twice at 3 and 6 WAS as well as those subjected to regular weeding up to 8 WAS. The effect of regular weeding on the growth and yield of maize was negligible compared to that in plots subjected to two hoe-weeding at 3 and 6 WAS. This showed that regular weeding up to 8 WAS in maize production was superfluous. As revealed in this study, maize grain yield increased with wider intra-row spacing in the order of 30 cm > 25 cm > 20 cm.