Kernel number determination in argentinean maize hybrids released between 1965 and 1993.

Abstract

Grain yield and the stability of harvest index are greater in newer than in older Argentinean maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids. The objective of this study was to elucidate mechanisms underlying the superior yield and harvest index stability of newer Argentinean maize hybrids using the relationship between kernel number per plant (KNP) and plant growth rate during the period bracketing silking (PGRs). Three experiments were performed at Balcarce, Argentina, during two growing seasons (1998–2000). Maize was grown under a wide range of plant densities (from 2 up to 30 plants m−2) to generate contrasting availability of resources per plant. Growth of individual plants during the period bracketing silking was estimated through a nondestructive method on the basis of relationships between actual shoot dry matter and morphometric variables, including stem and ear diameters and ear length. Detasseling and silk pollination synchronization treatments were imposed in one experiment to also modify available resources per kernel and kernel sink strength. Newer hybrids set more kernels per unit PGRs than older hybrids as is indicated by (i) the lower threshold PGRs for kernel set and (ii) greater potential kernel number at high availability of resources per plant, for newer than for older hybrids. At low and intermediate PGRs, the greater kernel set per unit PGRs in newer vs. older hybrids was attributable to greater partitioning of dry matter to the topmost ear during the period bracketing silking, whereas number of kernels set per unit of ear growth rate did not differ. In contrast, kernel set per unit of ear growth rate was greater in newer than in older hybrids when PGRs was high. Results of this study indicate that genetic yield improvement in maize is attributable, in part, to increased partitioning of dry matter to the ear during the critical period bracketing silking.