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Timing and Correlation of Major Developmental Events in Maize, Zea mays L. 1
Author(s) -
Siemer E. G.,
Leng E. R.,
Bonnett O. T.
Publication year - 1969
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/agronj1969.00021962006100010005x
Subject(s) - tassel , elongation , biology , zea mays , sowing , hybrid , stalk , agronomy , primordium , growing season , horticulture , botany , biochemistry , materials science , gene , metallurgy , ultimate tensile strength
Timing and sequence of major developmental events were studied in Corn Belt dent inbred lines and hybrids,with two dates of planting and two growing seasons. Mean developmental characterizations and sequences were established both for quantitative and qualitative events. The number of days from planting to a given event was greatly influenced by genotype. Hybrids developed faster than corresponding inbred lines in all respects except the full achievement of kernels per row potential; hybrids produced significantly more kernel primordia per row. Developmental differences attributable to planting date or growing season appeared to leflect effects of air temperature, soil moisture, or both. Low temperature and moisture deficiency apparently retarded development. Internode elongation, axillary bud development and cessation of ear elongation proceeded acropetally, while ear initiation was basipetal. Four pairs of events were closely related in time: (1) tassel initiation and the beginning of stalk elongation, (2) top car initiation and beginning of rapid stalk elongation, (3) accelerated tassel peduncle elongation and tassel emergence, and (4) accelerated top ear elongation and attainment of maximum top ear kernels per row potential. Important physiological relationships may exist between these related events.