GROWTH ANALYSIS, YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF SWEET CORN (Zea Mays L.) AS INFLUENCED BY INTER-ROW SPACING

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different inter and intra-row spacing on the growth analysis and some yield components of sweet corn (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted under field conditions at Qushtapa zones of northern Iraq in the main cropping season of 2020-21. Three different inter and intra-row spacing treatments 45, and cm and and cm were applied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, making a total of six plots, each plot on the field was measured 2m width by 3m length m2. The study assessed various growth parameters and yield attributes. The results indicated that inter-row spacing significantly influenced ear length (cm) number of kernels per ear, net assimilation rate (NAR) and light transmission ratio (LTR) which significantly possessed higher mean value at 75cm inter-row spacing. In contrast, interaction treatments of inter-row spacing ×intra-row spacing recorder highest mean values of ear length (cm), number of kernels per ear and light transmission ratio (LTR) at interaction treatments of (inter 75cm × intra 15cm) respectively. As for net assimilation rate (NAR) this trait postulate higher mean at treatment interaction of (inter 75cm × intra 10cm). These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing inter and intra-row spacing for hybrid maize cultivation to enhance productivity.