Influence of Plant Density on Maize (Zea mays L.) Yield and Yield-Related Traits in the Amik Plain

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different plant densities on yield and yield components of maize under main crop conditions in the Amik Plain. The maize cultivar P1541 was used, and the experiment was established at Mustafa Kemal University Agricultural Research and Application Center in Hatay, following a randomized complete block design with three replications. Six different plant density levels (7,519; 8,071; 8,606; 9,276; 9,990; and 10,989 plants da-1) were applied. The evaluated traits included plant height, stalk diameter, ear insertion height, ear length, ear diameter, number of kernels per ear, ear weight, kernel weight, 1000-kernel weight, and grain yield. Most morphological characteristics did not show statistically significant differences. However, plant density had a significant effect (P < 0.01) on grain yield, with the highest yield obtained at 10,989 plants da-1. These findings indicate that optimal plant density can enhance maize productivity under Amik Plain conditions.