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Interactions between genotype and density on the yield components of Zea mays:II. Grain production
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
Summary
Six hybrids, either pure dent or flint x dent crosses, together with two open-pollinated flint varieties of early maturity, were grown at Oxford, England, and the yield of grain determined over a range of 15 densities (5.30.8 plants/m2). The relationship of yield to density was studied by fitting mathematical functions to the observed yields. Only two functions, (1) the inverse quadratic on yield per unit area, and (2) the linear regression between density and the logarithm of grain yield per plant, were satisfactory fits. The linear regression was preferred because of its ease of calculation and interpretation. Between genotypes the largest differences in grain yield per unit area were found at densities either above or below those which are employed in normal practice.
The ranking of the genotypes for grain production depended upon the density. Whereas at the lowest density a very short, early-maturing flint genotype, GaspéFlint, yielded least, and a tall, full season dent hybrid, 0X324, yielded most, this position was reversed at the higher densities. Maximal levels of yields of the open-pollinated flint varieties were low, and it is apparent that the incorporation of this source of germplasm in hybrids is limited if commercially acceptable yields are to be attained. Maximal yields of 600 g/m2 were produced by three hybrids, but the optimal densities were markedly divergent. They ranged from 6.2 plants/m2 for 0X324 to 9.7 and 10.8 plants/m2 for INRA 270 and INRA 200. Possible reasons for such differences are discussed in terms of the interactions of density and genotype on the components of yield.
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1975
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