Plant Population of Baby Corn Grown During Dry Season

Abstract

Baby corn is presently an economic crop of Thailand. In addition to growing for young ear production, the remaining plant parts could also be utilized as animal feed. Further investigation on aspects of young ear production and utilization of plant parts for animal feed, is therefore needed. A split plot experiment was arranged seeking for an appropriate plant density of two baby corn varieties establishing from breeding program. The quality of plant parts being produced were also investigated. Two baby corn varieties namely Super Sweet DMR # 1 and Thai Comp. # 1 DMR were the main plot. Four plant densities (10793, 20031, 28856 and 39665 plants per rai) resulting from planting 1, 2, 3 and 4 plants per hill in a 50 cm. x 30 cm. spacing were the subplot. The trail was planted on December 16, 1986. Inspite of non-difference in young ear production, Super Sweet DMR # 1 was superior to Thai Comp # 1 DMR in production of remaining plant parts which could be used for animal feed. The result suggested that the population of 28856 plants per rai, which obtained from planting 3 plants per hill in a 50 cm. x 30 cm. spacing be recommended for dry season planting. The recommended plant density is, therefore, the same as that recommended elsewhere for rainy season planting. The remaining plant parts which were produced in a high quantity were also a high quality feed. Fresh weight of plant parts produced in one rai was adequate to feed a ruminant animal, which consumed 30 kilograms of rough feed per day, for approximately 144 days. If weight of husk was also included, it would be good to feed one ruminant animal for approximately 178 days.