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A Theory to Explain the Relationship Between Corn Population and Grain Yield¹

The objective of the paper is to add to development of a better understanding of the nature of competition among corn (Zea mays L.) plants in planting patterns. Competition is hypothesized to consist of two components, crowding and the effect of crowding on grain yield. Crowding within a planting pattern is the sum of the independent crowding attributed to each plant as a function of its distance from the target plant. The effect of crowding on yield is a function of genotypes and environment. The theory explains the precise mathematical relationships previously observed between corn grain yield and plant population and why corn grain yield per unit area goes through a maximum as plant population increases. Relative grain yields that are independent of genotype and environment are given for a wide range of row widths and plant populations.

Key Words: Plant competition • Yield/density relationship • Corn grain yield • Row width

² Professor emeritus, Univ. of Kentucky, visiting professor, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Received for publication September 6, 1983.

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