Effects of Planting Density on Grain Dehydration Characteristics and Lodging Resistance of Summer Maize in Northern Anhui Plain

PurposeTo clarify the effects of planting density on lodging resistance and grain dehydration characteristics of different genotypes of summer maize in Northern Anhui plain.

MethodsFour summer maize varieties, Zhengdan958 (Z), Lishou No.1 (L), Xindan68 (X) and Chuangyu107 (C) were used as test materials in 2017 and 2019, and three planting densities were set for 60000 plants/hm² (D1), 75000 plants/hm² (D2), and 90000 plants/hm² (D3). Bending resistance of stem, grain water content, and yield were measured, lodging rate and the time to reach the standard of grain mechanical harvest were investigated, and a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between planting density and different genotypes of summer maize with respect to machine harvesting traits was carried out.

ResultsThe lodging rate increased significantly with the increase of planting density, and the lodging risk from D1 to D2 was lower than that from D2 to D3. The grain water content and the time required to reduce the water content to 28% decreased significantly with the increase of planting density. There were significant differences in maize yield among different genotypes, the yield increased significantly from D1 to D2, but there was no significant change from D2 to D3. Genotype and planting density had significant effects on the comprehensive evaluation value of maize suitable for machine harvest. Xindan68 was the best among varieties, and D2 was the best in density level, and XD2 was the highest among treatments.

ConclusionUnder the condition of 75000 plants/hm², the selection of Xindan68 can improve the machine harvest quality of summer maize in Northern Anhui plain.