The researchers studied how different planting densities affect the growth and yield of hybrid rice. Sparse planting led to more tillers but delayed their growth stages. Lower planting densities resulted in more late-stage tillers and higher productive tiller rates. The number of grains per panicle varied, affecting yield. Hybrids with weak tillering capacity had lower yields with decreased planting densities, while hybrids with strong tillering capacity did not show a yield difference.