Traits related to kernel setting of subapical ear in maize hybrids

MADDONNI, G. A.; PARCO, M; INCOGNITO, S.; LÓPEZ C.G.

Long Beach, CA

Congreso; ASA, CSSA, & SSSA International Annual Meeting; 2014

ASSA-CSSA-SSSA

Maize grain yield is generally optimized with high population densities at which only apical ears set kernels. Under limited conditions, however, low plant population densities are used and fertile sub-apical ears may contribute to total grain yield. In this work we have explored different traits related to prolificacy (i.e. number of fertile ears per plant) of four commercial maize hybrids released in the last four decades. Mentioned hybrids were cultivated at low, optimum and high plant population densities and several measurements were performed around flowering to analyze plant growth rate, biomass partitioning, reproductive efficiency and the synchrony of flowering of both ears.