Response of sweet corn varieties to plant density and tiller removal: preliminary studies

Abstract

The sweet corn breeding strategy aims to enhance and sustain a consistent yield over time. The interaction between density and tiller removal is currently being discussed among sweet corn farmers, as well as scientists working in sweet corn. Considering the studies carried out to date and the research directions suggested by them, the present study aimed to determine the impact of plant density, variety, tiller removal and their interactions on the yield and ear prolificacy/weight of sweet corn under the climatic conditions of northeast Romania. The experiments were focused on 3 sweet corn varieties (Deliciosul de Bacău, Deliciul verii and Royalty F1), sown at 3 densities (50k, 60k and 70k plants/ha) and considering 2 variants for tiller removal (tiller removal / without tiller removal). The highest yield of sweet corn was recorded in the Royalty F1 hybrid in the plots in which the tillers were removed (24.27 t/ha). The Royalty F1 hybrid also had the heaviest ears (313.33 g) in plots with tiller removal and 60k plants/ha. Overall, the most favourable plant density in terms of yield was 60k plants/ha. The experimental results showed that in the climatic conditions of northeast Romania, tiller removal led to increased yield, especially in the Deliciosul de Bacău hybrid. Tiller removal in this hybrid resulted in a significant increase in yield (from 18.41 to 23.08 t/ha).