Comparative analysis of three different spacing on the performance and yield of late maize cultivation in Etche local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to compare and analyze how spacing influenced the performance and yield of late maize in Egwi, Etche Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria between September-December in 2013 and 2014. The study adopted experimental research design. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. One maize variety was evaluated under three spacing for performance data such as plant heights, stem girths, number of leaves, number of nodes and leaf area and for the yield, data were collected on cob length, cob weight, cob + husk weight, cob diameter and 1000-grain weight (yield). The results obtained 56 days after planting (DAP) in the two years of study showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in plant height, stem girth and leaf area. The 70 x 30 and 60 x 40 cm spacing gave higher values of the morphological parameters than 80 x 20 cm. With regard to yield, 80 x 20 cm gave the highest average cob weight of 0.74 kg and 1000-grain weight (yield) of 0.27t/ha. Based on the findings of the study, the 80 x 20 cm spacing was recommended for local farmers in Etche for maximum yield and economic returns. Key words: Etche Local Government Area (LGA), maize plant, Nigeria, Rivers State, spacing.