Evaluation of Corn (Zea mays L.) Growth Indices in Response to Removal Time and Different Densities of Vicia sativa as a Living Mulch

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Abstract

In order to evaluate the effect of live mulch of vetch on growth indices (CGR, NAR, LAI), yield and yield components, biological yield and harvest index of flint corn an experiment was conducted in Firouz Abad town, the Fars Province, Iran, in cropping year of 2014-15 with application of main factor as growth suppression of live mulch of vetch on three levels including 4, 6 and 8 leaves stage in corn with 2,4-D herbicide (750cc per hectare) and subplots as density of live mulch in three levels including 10, 20 and 40 plant m-2) with two control, non-weeding (NW) and weeding (W) controls, in the form of split-plot based on RCBD with four replications. Highest leaf area index (LAI) observed in 50-65 days intervals from seeding which the highest and lowest (6.49 and 3.63, respectively) was related to weeding control treatment and living mulch suppression at 8-leaves with density of 40 plants m-2. Maximum crop growth rate (83.41) was attributed to 35-50 days after seeding in the weed control and minimum CGR (36.22) was related to the treatment live mulch suppression in 8-leaves stage in the density of 10 plants m-2. Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) for all treatments was the highest at primary growth stages, so the highest and the lowest NAR (31.08 and 19.87 gr m-2.day) was belonged to live mulch suppression at 8-leaves stage by density of 10 plants m-2.Thus, results obtained in evaluation showed that in order to achieving the highest yield of corn and suppression of weed, application of ordinary vetch by 10 plants m-2 and its suppression on 6-leaves stage of corn is recommendable.

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Research in Crop Ecosystems
Volume 3, 1 , 2
September 2016
Pages 19-31

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