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Synergistic development of maize stalk as a strategy to reduce lodging risk
Author(s) -
Xue Jun,
Gao Shang,
Li Lulu,
Xu Honggen,
Ming Bo,
Wang Keru,
Hou Peng,
Xie Ruizhi,
Li Shaokun
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.1002/agj2.20399
Subject(s) - plant stem , stalk , elongation , biology , agronomy , sowing , lignin , hybrid , dry matter , horticulture , botany , ultimate tensile strength , materials science , metallurgy
The reason for different maize ( Zea mays L.) hybrids exhibiting differences in stalk lodging risk between the 12‐leaf (V12) and flowering stages is unclear. This study tracked internode development included morphology, carbohydrate accumulation, and mechanical strength of basal internodes in four widely‐planted maize hybrids in China for two consecutive growing seasons. And then used logistic model to estimate the time of initiation and termination of rapid thickening, lengthening, accumulation of dry weight per unit length (DWUL), cellulose, lignin, and increase in rind penetration strength (RPS) of internodes. Planting density was 7.5 × 10 4 plants ha −1 . The results shows that basal internodes development in maize begins with a period of rapid thickening and lengthening, followed by DWUL accumulation, and finally an increase in RPS. The period of DWUL accumulation was the longest of these developmental periods and occurred throughout internode development. For hybrid with a low risk of stalk lodging, RPS development began in later part of the rapid elongation period. In contrast, rapid RPS development in hybrid with a high risk of stalk lodging began after the rapid elongation period. Rapid DWUL accumulation and RPS development can reduce the adverse effects caused by rapid elongation of basal internodes. The shorter the interval between rapid elongation, DWUL accumulation, and RPS development of the basal internodes, the greater a plant's resistance to stalk lodging. Therefore, lodging risk can be reduced through selection and breeding strategies that achieve synergistic development of morphology, dry matter accumulation, and mechanical strength in maize stalks.