Effect of Seed Distribution and Population On Maize (Zea mays L.) Grain Yield.

Third world planting of maize (Zea mays L.) is generally accomplished by hand and that results in highly heterogenous plant stands.  The objectives of this work were to determine the benefits of singular and equidistant plant spacing compared to planting 2-3 seeds per hill, with variable spacing, and that is common in developing countries.  Three field experiments were established in 2011 with 3 replications in a randomized complete block design.  Treatments evaluated included a complete factorial of 1, 2, and 3 seeds/hill, at distances of 16, 32, and 48 cm apart.  Expected results are that planting one seed per hill, 16 cm apart will increase yields more than 40% when compared to 3 seeds per hill at wider distances between hill, and that is common in the third world.  Our new-age hand planter will singulate seed facilitate more homogenous stands, and positively impact developing nation maize planting, while better protecting marginal landscapes.