Maize Response to Varying Weed Control Times: Growth, Yield, and Correlation Insights

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.), a major global grain crop, suffers yield losses of up to 80% from weed competition if not
timely managed, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Early-season weed control enhances canopy development and
grain formation, yet its combined effect on growth and yield remains underexplored. This study examined maize
response to varying weed control times in Nigeria’s rainforest agro-ecological zone using a Randomized Complete
Block Design with four treatments: weed-free (0 WAP), weeding at 2 WAP, 4 WAP, and 6 WAP, replicated four
times. Growth traits (plant height, leaf area, stem girth, leaf length, number of leaves) and yield components (cob
length, cob weight, grain yield, 100-seed weight) were assessed. Early weed control (0–4 WAP) significantly
improved vegetative growth (2–12 WAP) and yield, with weed-free plots producing the highest cob length (15.42
cm), cob weight (32.80 g), and grain yield (23.16 t/ha). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships
within growth and yield parameters, with only a weak negative correlation (-0.47*) between number of leaves and
cob length. Finding