Densities of plants and nitrogen levels in maize hybrid performance in the second summer crop

Maize grown as a second summer crop areas in southern Brazil has increased in recent years. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate the grain yield of maize hybrids grown at different plant densities and levels of nitrogen. The study was carried out at Dois Vizinhos (PR) in a randomized complete block design with a factorial scheme (2x4x4), being factor A referent to maize hybrids (2B587 and AG9030), factor B (45,000, 55,000, 65,000, 75,000 plants ha(-1)), and factor C: nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha(-1)). The hybrid 2B587 showed higher values of final plant population, number of spikes per area, number of grains per row and final yield, but smaller number of rows per spike and thousand grain weights in relation to the Hybrid AG9030. There was a linear response of nitrogen levels over maize yield (9,158 + 3.265x) was observed but without economic viability due to good soil fertility conditions. The increase of the sowing density reduced corn prolificacy. Both evaluated hybrids showed a better yield response at plant densities from 55,000 to 65,000 plants per hectare.