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Identification of Photoperiod Insensitive Strains of Maize ( Zea mays L.). II. Field Tests in the Tropics with Artificial Lights 1
Author(s) -
Francis C. A.,
Sarria V. D.,
Harpstead D. D.,
Cassalett D. C.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1970.0011183x001000050001x
Subject(s) - biology , temperate climate , photoperiodism , zea mays , tropics , latitude , poaceae , light intensity , day length , subtropics , botany , agronomy , ecology , optics , physics , astronomy
Maize genotypes adapted to tropical regions were tested in the field for sensitivity to a change in photoperiod. Near the equator, with naturally equal light‐dark periods, materials were evaluated by a technique which extended day length and created an intensity gradient with artificial light. Some genotypes, including one temperate‐zone hybrid, were relatively insensitive to day length or intensity differences. Most genotypes showed a delay in floral differentiation, when grown in extended days with light intensities above one or two critical levels (5 and 1 to 2 fc, or 54 and 11 to 22 lux). The technique permits evaluation of numerous strains in the field, and has possible applications during the winter in higher latitudes.