Effect of planting methods and plant density, on morphological, phenological, yield and yield component of baby corn

An experiment conducted to investigate the effect of planting method and plant density, on morpho-phenological traits of baby corn (Zea mIays L.) variety KSC 704 in agricultural and resources research center of Khorasan-Razavi during 2012 growing season. Split plot experiment carried out base on randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots belonged to three levels of planting method (ridge planting (RP), double rows of planting on ridge (DRP) and furrow planting (FP)). Sub plots belonged to three levels of plant density (D1: 90,000; D2: 120,000 and D3: 150,000 plant/ha). Plant height, tassel length and stalk fresh weight affected by planting methods significantly. The highest and lowest ear yield belonged to D2 and D1 plant density by 9987 and 8780 kg/ha ear production respectively. Anthesis silking duration (ASI), ear number per plant, ear height, leaves number, leaves number above ear, ear leaf diameter, ear length, ear diameter, stalk fresh weight and husked ear yield affected by plant density. The highest ear per plant (2.3 ear/plant) produced by D2 treatment. Leaves number above ear, ear leaf length and diameter, fresh stalk weight and diameter affected by interaction between plant density and planting method respectively. D3 produced the highest de husked ear yield by mean of 1969 kg/h. Ear yield did not affected by planting method.