Genotype and Plant Density Effects on Corn (Zea mays L.) Forage Yield

Corn forage is an important source of feedstuff for beef and dairy cattles. A two-year study was conducted in Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey to determine the optimum plant densities for forage yields of corn genotypes commercially grown in Eastern Mediterranean Region during 2000 and 2001 growing seasons. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in a split-plot arrangement with three replications. Main plots were corn hybrids of Dracma, Pioneer 3223, Pioneer 3335, Dekalb 711 and Dekalb 626 and Arifiye. Split-plots were plant densities of 143 000, 114 000, 95 000, 82 000 and 71 000 plant. Split-plot size was 2.8 m by 5.0 m with four rows per plot. The effects of corn genotypes and plant densities on the forage and dry matter yield and some agronomic characteristics were significant. The highest forage and dry matter yields were obtained from Dracma genotype (69.5 and 27.0 t ha-1, respectively). The highest forage and dry matter yield obtained at 114000 and 143000 plant densities (64.4 and 62.3 t ha-1 forage yield and 24.8 and 23.1 t ha-1 dry matter yield, respectively).