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Fleasibility Studies on Planting Corn Trials to a Stand¹

Researchers have historically stressed uniformity of plant stands in corn (Zea mays L.) yield trials to reduce variability. This has mandated that all trials be over-planted and later thinned. For this study, field trials were conducted in seven environments to determine the feasibility of planting corn yield trials to a stand by planting at a seeding rate of 110% of desired stand; this was compared to the standard practice of overplanting and thinning. Ten hybrids in each of three maturity groups were randomly selected for the study. A split plot arrangement was used with whole plots consisting of hybrids and subplots consisting of thinning vs. no-thinning of stands. Soil types were a Portsmouth sandy loam (fine-loamy over sandy or sandy-skeletal, mixed, thermic Typic Umbraquults) and a Goldsboro loamy sand (fine-loamy siliceous, thermic Aquic Paleudults). Variables analyzed included yield, percentage of desired stand, and standard deviation of distance between adjacent plants. Planting to a stand (no-thin) resulted in less uniform stands for all maturity groups; however, this did not produce significantly lower yields. Percentage of desired stand was equivalent between the two treatments for early and medium-maturing hybrids but the no-thin treatment produced significantly greater than 100% stands for the late-maturing hybrids. Error variances and F values for analyzing yield among entries were comparable between the two treatments. Nonsignificant entry-treatment and environment-entry-treatment interactions and equivalent stands suggest that planting to a stand is feasible.

Key Words: Zea mays L. • Plant population • Yield

² Associate professor, Crop Science Dep., North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, NC 27695-8604.

Received for publication November 7, 1986.