Kernel set in a maize hybrid and its two parental inbred lines exposed to water stress

L. ECHARTE; M. TOLLENAAR

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Congreso; 4th International Crop Science Congress; 2004

Kernel set in a maize hybrid and its two parental inbred lines was examined across a range of water-stress levels during the period bracketing silking. Kernel set was greater in the hybrid than in the inbred lines under all levels of water stress. Differences in kernel set between the hybrid and its parental inbred lines were attributable to a greater kernel kernel number per unit plant growth rate and not to differences in plant growth rate. Greater kernel set per unit plant growth rate was attributable mainly to kernel set per unit ear growth rate (i.e., kernel set efficiency) and to a lesser extent to dry matter partitioning to the ear.