Premium
Effect of Leaf Angle on Hybrid Performance in Maize ( Zea mays L.) 1
Author(s) -
Russell W. A.
Publication year - 1972
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/cropsci1972.0011183x001200010031x
Subject(s) - zea mays , biology , hybrid , germplasm , inbred strain , agronomy , yield (engineering) , horticulture , physics , gene , biochemistry , thermodynamics
Two single‐cross diallels of five erect‐leaf (liguled) and five horizontal‐leaf maize ( Zea mays L.) inbred lines were compared for yield performance at two row widths and three stand densities at each row width. The inbred lines were known from previous evaluations to have aboveaverage general combining ability. The maximum difference of leaf angle between two hybrids was 30°, and the average difference between the two groups was 11°. The linear yield responses of the two hybrid groups to increased stand densities were different (P<0.01); the linear regression coefficients were 0.35 and 2.70 for the erect‐leaf and horizontal‐leaf groups, respectively. The data from this study suggest that for Corn Belt germplasm presently available the maize breeder should not restrict his selection to plant types that have a distinctly erect‐leaf orientation.