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Effects of Potassium and Chloride Ion on Root Necrosis, Stalk Rot, and Pith Condition in Corn ( Zea mays L.) 1
Author(s) -
Martens J. W.,
Arny D. C.
Publication year - 1967
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 - 10.2134/agronj1967.00021962005900060003x
Subject(s) - pith , stalk , potassium , agronomy , zea mays , horticulture , sodium , sugar , chloride , inoculation , biology , chemistry , botany , food science , organic chemistry
Potassium chloride, applied at 168 kg/ha (150 lb/acre) potassium, decreased natural root necrosis and delayed death of corn plants, but increased stalk rot when the stalks were inoculated with Diplodia maydis (Berk) Sacc. ( Diplodia zeae (Schw.) Lev.). Pith density (number of live cells) increased significantly with KCl treatment in two of the three corn lines under study. Applying 158 kg/ha (140 lb/acre) chloride ion as NH 4 Cl (without K + ) significantly increased pith density in one corn line and in general had effects similar to, but smaller than, the KCl treatment. Extensive pith degeneration had already occurred at silking time, before peak sugar levels in this tissue, in the two lines which are considered most susceptible to stalk rot.