Effect of drought stress (water deficit)‎ and plant density on productivity of water and zea mays (Baghdad varieties)‎ in middle region of Iraq

Abstract EN

The objective of this study was to investigate the drought stress and plant density possibility on water productivity and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) (Planting Baghdad 3 synthetic varieties), Field experiment was conducted at Abu Ghraib Research Station (Baghdad) during spring and Autumn seasons of 2016 using a randomized complete block design arranged in split plot with three replications.

Three irrigation treatment included: irrigation after depletion 50% of available water (T1), irrigation after depletion 75% of available water (T2) and irrigation after depletion 90% of available water (T3) in the main plots and three plant density which were: 1 seeds hill-1 (D1) giving a uniform plant density of 66666 plants ha-1, 2 seeds hill-1 (D2) giving a uniform plant density of 133332 plants ha-1 and 3 seeds hill-1 (D3) giving a uniform plant density of 266664 plants ha-1 assigned in sub plots.

The results showed that the plant density of 66666 plants ha-1 gave highest value for most growth and yield components (day's number to 50% male and female flowering, leaf area, dry matter for root and number of ears per plant) for both seasons, but no significant with plant density of 133332 plants ha-1.

Irrigation at depletion 75% of available water was superior in grain yield and most components of growth, also this treatment not significant compare with irrigation at depletion 50% of available water in all parameter of growth and yield of corn.

Irrigation at depletion 75% of available water was saving 21.5 and 12.23% depth of water added compare to irrigation at depletion 50% of available water in spring and autumn season, respectively.

The irrigation at depletion 75% of available water gave the highest grain yield 9356 kg ha-1 and plant density D1 gave the highest value 8449 kg ha-1 and not difference with D2 8278 kg ha-1, but increased compare to D3 treatment.