Effects of row spacing on morpho-physiological traits and weed management in some corn cultivars

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Ardabil Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Moghan, Iran

2 Plant Protection Research Department, Ardabil Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Ardabil, Iran

3 Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO): Karj, Iran

4 Department Science Research Animal, East Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Tabriz, Iran

5 Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Safiabad Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Dezful, Iran

6 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Iran

10.22124/cjes.2025.9017

Abstract

Corn is one of the most important cereals, serving as a rich source of nutrition for both humans and animals, in addition to its industrial uses and role in biofuels. This study aimed to assess the morpho-physiological characteristics and weed management of various maize varieties under different row spacings. A factorial experiment was conducted within a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station of Moghan Agro-Industry and Livestock Co., Northwest Iran in 2023. The first factor was planting row spacing at three levels (50, 65, and 75 cm). The second factor consisted of four corn cultivars: TWC647 (medium maturing group), KSC704 (late-maturing group), D5 (♀M41 × L51♂, very late maturing: tropical), and variety mixture KSC704 + D5 planted as two rows of KSC704 and two rows of D5. The analysis of variance showed significant differences between the cultivars and planting row spacings with respect to morpho-physiological characteristics and weed management. Thus, the maximum forage yield belonged to the combination of KSC704 + D5 at a row spacing of 50 cm. Whereas the highest dry weight of weeds at a row spacing of 75 cm was related to the TWC647, the lowest dry weight of weeds for all cultivars was obtained at a planting row spacing of 50 cm. The highest chlorophyll index and leaf area were attributed to the KSC704 and D5 cultivars. The results obtained from this study revealed that narrow planting row spacing and cultivation of competitive cultivars manage weeds and improve maize performance under sustainable agriculture.

Keywords

References

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Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 02 September 2025

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