Standard Ear Yield and Some Agronomic Characteristics of Baby Corn var. ksc 403 su under Influence of Planting Date and Plant Density

Abstract

In order to investigate of standard ear yield and some agronomic characteristics of baby corn under influence of planting date and plant density an experiment was conducted at Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research center, Mashhad, Iran in 2010. In this research planting date (14 June, 3 July and 24 July) and plant densities (65000, 85000 and 105000 plant    ha-1) were arranged in main and sub plots, respectively. This experiment was laid out using a split plot design with four replications. The results indicated that different planting dates had significant effects on agronomic traits such as plant height, ear height, number of leaves above ear, stem diameter, ear length, and ear diameter, dehusked and husked baby corn yield, standard and sub-standard dehusked ear yield, standard and sub-standard ear percentage. The highest husked ear yield with 13240 kg ha-1 was belonged to 24 July planting date. Although, delay in planting date, led to increase of growth period prevail suitable weather (low temperatures) at anthesis, therefore, ear yield increased but caused to the reduction of ear length and increased ear diameter. Also, ear marketing obviously decreased, not only for fresh consumption but also for industry. The highest dehusked standard ear yield (722 kg ha-1) was obtained from the highest plant density. Interaction effect of planting date × plant density had significant on standard ear percentage at a 5% level of probability. Finally, planting date of 14 June and the highest planting density of 105000 plant ha-1, is recommended in order to maximize and produce high quality standard ear that can be presentable in market.