Productivity of Maize Hybrids Depending on Planting Density

This study presents the results of research on the effect of planting density on the growth, development, and productivity of maize hybrids of different maturity groups under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The primary objective was to determine the relationship between maize hybrid productivity and planting density, as well as to identify optimal plant spacing schemes that ensure the maximum realization of their genetic yield potential.

The field experiments were conducted in 2024–2025 at the experimental field of the department of crop production and horticulture of Vinnytsia national agrarian university, within the farming enterprise LLC «Organik-D». The study involved maize hybrids representing various maturity groups: Anovie KS (FAO 220), ES Sirius (FAO 200), ES Perspektiv (FAO 240), DKC 3609 (FAO 260), DKC 3939 (FAO 320), and Harmonium (FAO 380). Planting densities ranged from 50,000 to 90,000 plants per hectare.

The results revealed that plant height and ear attachment height were significantly influenced by the genetic characteristics of the hybrid, weather conditions, and planting density. Favorable hydrothermal conditions in 2025 contributed to an increase in average plant height to 268.0 cm, compared to 252.9 cm in 2024. The tallest plants were observed in mid-maturity hybrids – DKC 3939 (283.0 cm) and Harmonium (284.1 cm) – under an optimal density of 60,000–80,000 plants/ha.

Yield analysis demonstrated that a longer vegetation period was associated with higher productivity. The average yield across two years ranged from 7.96 to 10.08 t/ha, depending on the hybrid. The highest yields (10.06–10.08 t/ha) were recorded for DKC 3939 (FAO 320) and Harmonium (FAO 380) at a planting density of 80,000 plants/ha. For early-maturing hybrids, the optimal density was 90,000 plants/ha. Excessive or insufficient plant density resulted in yield reduction. The findings highlight that adjusting plant density according to the hybrid’s maturity group is an effective agronomic strategy for optimizing maize cultivation and achieving stable yields under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Further research is recommended to refine hybrid-specific density parameters.