Effects of Population Density on the Yield and Yield Components of Leafy Reduced-stature Maize in Short-season Areas

Maize hybrids which yield well, mature earlier and tolerate higher population densities better than the currently available hybrids would be more suitable for production in short-season areas. Leafy reduced-stature maize hybrids, which have only recently become available, have traits which address these criteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different population densities (50000, 100000, 150000, and 200000 plants ha⁻¹) on the yield and yield components of one leafy reduced-stature (LRS), one non-leafy reduced-stature (NLRS), and two conventional control hybrids (Pioneer 3979, <2500 CHU; and Pioneer 3902, 2600–2700 CHU) at two locations. All hybrids had the highest kernel number per row and single plant grain yields at the lowest population densities, however, as plant density increased these variables decreased more in the conventional hybrids than the LRS and NLRS hybrids, which demonstrates the greater tolerance of the latter to the stresses associated with higher plant densities. Grain yield was highest for all hybrids, except for NLRS, at 100 000 plants ha⁻¹ with the LRS hybrid and Pioneer 3902 having the highest yields (11.4 vs. 9.8; 12.0 vs. 10.4) at locations 1 and 2 respectively. The LRS hybrid matured before either of the conventional hybrids and out yielded Pioneer 3979 at both sites. Harvest index was not affected by population density and this value was not different among the NLRS and conventional hybrids. However, the harvest index of the LRS hybrid was greater than the others. LRS and NLRS hybrids had lower moisture contents and earlier maturities than conventional hybrids. Rapid growth of the first ear, a higher yield per unit leaf area, and a higher harvest index are indications that LRS hybrids should be more tolerant of higher population densities than the conventional hybrids.     

Effects of Population Density and Planting Pattern on the Yield and Yield Components of Leafy Reduced-Stature Maize in a Short-Season Area

Maize hybrids that yield well, mature earlier with low grain moisture contents, tolerate higher population densities and take advantage of narrow row spacings better than the currently available hybrids would be more suitable for production in short-season areas. Leafy reduced-stature maize hybrids, which have only recently been developed, have traits which address these criteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different population densities (65 000 and 130000 plants ha^?1) and planting patterns (single rows 76 cm apart and paired rows with 20 cm between rows within a pair of 56 cm between rows of adjacent pairs) on the yield and yield components of two leafy reduced-stature (LRS1 and LRS2), one non-leafy reduced-stature (NLRS), and two conventional corn hybrids (Pioneer 3979, < 2500 CHU; and Pioneer 3902, 2600-2700 CHU) at two locations. All hybrids had higher kernel numbers per row and single plant grain yields at the lower population densities when in paired rows. However, as plant density increased, these variables decreased more in the conventional hybrids than the LRS and NLRS hybrids, which demonstrates the greater tolerance of the latter to the stresses associated with higher plant densities. Grain yield was higher for the two LRS hybrids and the NLRS hybrid at 130000 plants ha^?1 than 65 000 plants ha^?1 Grain yield of conventional hybrids was reduced at the higher population density. The LRS hybrids matured before both conventional hybrids and out yielded Pioneer 3979 at the higher plant population density in both row spacings at both sites. Harvest index was not affected by population density and this value was not different among the NLRS and conventional hybrids. However, the harvest index of the LRS hybrids was greater than the others. LRS and NLRS hybrids had lower moisture contents and earlier maturities than conventional hybrids. Rapid growth of the first ear and higher harvest index values might are indications that LRS hybrids are more tolerant of higher population densities than the conventional hybrids.     

Response of Corn Hybrids Differing in Canopy Architecture to Chemical and Mechanical (Rotary Hoeing) Weed Control: Morphology and Yield

Weed interference with the growth and yield of corn plants is affected by both mechanical and chemical means of weed control. Recently, corn hybrids accumulating more leaf area, maturing earlier, yielding better in narrower row spacings and tolerating higher plant populations better than conventional hybrids have been developed. Because of more rapid leaf area accumulation during the earliest stages of canopy development and overall canopy architecture, they may be more susceptible to damage due to mechanical weed control. The objective of this study was to assess the response of corn hybrids with a wide range of canopy architectures to chemical and mechanical (rotary hoeing) weed control, with an emphasis on quantifying morphology and grain yield responses. Field experiments were conducted in 1997 and 1998 at Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec. Three hybrids were tested: leafy reduced-stature (LRS1 and LRS2), and the conventional hybrid Pioneer 3979 (P3979). Rotary hoeing alone had very little effect, while herbicide application reduced the interference of weeds with growth and grain yield of all hybrids. Hybrid P3979 had more total leaf area than LRS1 and LRS2, but the percentage of leaf area above the ear was much higher for LRS hybrids (70 %) than for P3979 (51 %). Generally, LRS hybrids were much shorter with more leaf area above the ear than P3979, contributing to the large differences in canopy architecture between the LRS hybrids and P3979. However, morphology and grain yield response of hybrids to rotary hoeing and herbicide weed control was not different, indicating that the new hybrids were not more susceptible to damage caused by mechanical weed control than a corn hybrid with a conventional canopy architecture.     

Leafy reduced-stature maize for short-season environments: morphological aspects of inbred lines

Development of maize (Zea mays L.) types that produce leaf area rapidly and finish vegetative development quickly would increase production of maize in mid- to short-season areas. The Leafy (Lfy1) and reduced-stature (rd1) traits each make contributions to this end. However, these two traits have not previously been combined. Our objective was to evaluate the morphological aspects of non-leafy normal-stature (NLNS), leafy reduced-stature (LRS), non-leafy reduced-stature (NLRS), and leafy normal-stature (LNS) maize inbreds. Two traits, Lfy1 and rd1, were incorporated into a series of inbreds, resulting in a range of canopy architectures. Twelve variables were recorded for each of 30 inbreds over three years. The 12 variables were: seed emergence, above-ear leaf number, below-ear leaf number, dead leaf number at tasselling, live leaf number at tasselling, total leaf number, above-ear leaf area, ear leaf length, ear leaf width, ear height, internode length, and plant height. Inbreds containing the Lfy1 trait had more above-ear leaf area, above-ear leaf number, dead leaf number at tasselling, total leaf number and number of live leaves at tasselling than non-leafy inbred lines. Below-ear leaf number was not different among LRS, LNS, and NLNS inbred lines. LRS and NLRS inbred lines were also not different for below-ear leaf number. Plant height, ear height, and ear leaf length and width were higher in normal-stature than reduced-stature plants. The proportion of the seeds which emerged was higher for LRS inbreds than the other trait groups. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Morphology and yield response to weed pressure by corn hybrids differing in canopy architecture

Recently, corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids accumulating more leaf area above the ear, maturing earlier, yielding better in narrower row spacings and tolerating higher population densities than conventional hybrids have been developed. However, no research has been conducted to assess their ability to compete with weeds. The objective of this study was to quantify morphological and grain yield responses of hybrids with differing canopy architectures to the presence and absence of weeds. Field experiments were conducted in 1996, 1997, and 1998 at Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec and in 1996 at Ottawa, Ontario. Three hybrids, leafy reduced-stature (LRS), late maturing big leaf (LMBL), and conventional Pioneer 3979 (P3979), were evaluated at two population densities (normal and high), row spacings (38 and 76 cm) and weed pressure levels (weed-free and weedy). Weed pressure reduced the plant height of LRS less (only 4 cm) than the tall hybrids (average reduction of 26 cm). The overall grain yield of the LMBL hybrid was much greater (12.7 mg ha⁻¹) than the LRS (9.6 mg ha⁻¹) and P3979 (11.0 mg ha⁻¹) hybrids in the absence, but not in the presence (LRS, 6.5; LMBL, 6.7; and P3979, 6.8 mg ha⁻¹), of weeds. The yield of early-maturing LRS and P3979 (especially LRS) hybrids, were least affected by weed pressure, suggesting better tolerance of, and competition with, weeds. However, further research with more LRS hybrids is needed, as is the development of better yielding LRS hybrids, before they can be recommended over conventional hybrids.     

Corn Genotypic Variation Effects on Seedling Emergence and Leaf Appearance for Short-Season Areas

Identifying corn ( Zea mays L.) genotypes with faster rates of seedling emergence and leaf appearance is important in developing a corn crop with earlier canopy closure and better seasonal light interception. A greenhouse experiment was conducted twice to investigate whether corn genotypes known to vary in canopy architecture and yield potential differed in rates of seedling emergence and leaf appearance. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design utilizing seven genotypes: five of the newly developed Leafy reduced-stature (LRS) types (LRS1, LRS2, LRS3, LRS4 and LRS5), one conventional type [Pioneer 3979 (P3979)], and one late-maturing big-leaf (LMBL) type. Five seeds were planted in each pot and seedling emergence was recorded every day until all seeds emerged. Leaf appearance was recorded from seedling emergence until the plants reached anthesis. There was variability among the genotypes for both seedling emergence and leaf appearance rate. Mean seedling emergence values of greater than 90 % were achieved by four of the five LRS genotypes, and the LRS types generally emerged more rapidly than the others. Leaf appearance rate showed linear increases over time; however, LRS genotypes (in particular LRS3, LRS4 and LRS5) had more rapid leaf appearance rates than the others. The LMBL hybrid ranked last for both seedling emergence (<80 %) and leaf appearance rate. Rapid seedling emergence and leaf appearance by early-maturing genotypes (LRS and P3979, especially LRS) may help these types of genotypes achieve earlier canopy closure and better use of the light available during the growing season, which is critical in a short growing season environment.     

Leafy reduced-stature maize for short-season environments: Yield and yield components of inbred lines

Development of maize (Zea mays L.) types that produce leaf area and mature quickly would increase production of maize in mid- to short-season areas. The leafy (Lfy1) and reduced-stature (rd1) traits both make contributions to this end. However, these two traits have not previously been combined. Our objective was to evaluate the yield and yield components of non-leafy normal-stature (NLNS), leafy reduced-stature (LRS), non-leafy reduced-stature (NLRS), and leafy normal-stature (LNS) maize inbred lines. The two genes, ‘Lfy1’ and ‘rd1’, were incorporated into a series of inbred lines resulting in a range of canopy architectures. Ten variables were recorded for each of 30 inbred lines over three years. The 10 variables were: corn heat unit requirement from planting to tasselling, corn heat unit requirement from planting to silking, days between tasselling and silking, grain moisture content, husk dry weight, cob dry weight, ear length, maximum ear circumference, grain yield and ratio of grain yield to moisture content. Reduced-stature inbred lines reached anthesis more quickly than normal-stature inbred lines. Grain moisture content was less in reduced-stature inbred lines than normal stature trait groups. Leafy-reduced stature plants had the highest ratio of grain to moisture content and the lowest grain moisture content at harvest. Inbred lines containing the rd1 trait matured more rapidly than other trait groups. The LRS trait group yielded more than the other groups, and showed great potential for use in mid- to short-season environments. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Alternate Row Spacing and Plant Density Effects on Forage and Dry Matter Yield of Corn Hybrids (Zea mays L.)

Irrigated field experiments were conducted in the Marmara region of Turkey in 2002 and 2003 to compare alternate 40 : 25 cm row spacings and conventional 65 cm with four different plant densities (65 000, 85 000, 105 000 and 125 000 plants ha⁻¹) of three corn hybrids (DK-585, ADA 95–10 and C-955) in some morphological traits and forage and dry matter yield. Morphological traits such as plant height, leaf per plant, stem diameter, ear per plant and ear percentage were measured, forage and dry matter yield was also determined in this study. Hybrids, row spacings and plant densities significantly affected some morphological traits, forage and dry matter yield at 0.01 level. Later maturing hybrids tended to produce taller and thicker stemmed plants. Row spacings and plant densities did not affect plant height. Average stem diameter increased significantly with population density. Row spacings did not influence leaf number, whereas leaf number increased slightly with plant density. On average, all corn plants had slightly more than 1.0 ear per plant in our experiment. Row spacings and plant densities did not affect significantly number of ear per plant. Early maturing DK-585 had the highest ear percentage whilst late maturing C-955 lowest. Yields usually increased with hybrid maturity. When averaged across years, row spacings and plant densities, late maturing C-955 performed significantly better in forage and dry matter yield in all experimental years and combined years. The studies showed favourable advantage for alternate 40 : 25 cm rows over conventional 65 cm row spacings at all plant densities. Average forage and dry matter yields were greater for alternate 40 : 25 cm row spacings than for 65 cm row spacings. However, strong hybrid × row spacing interactions for both forage and dry matter yield were detected.     

密植对不同玉米品种产量性能的影响及其耐密性分析

提高种植密度是玉米高产的重要措施之一,并且群体密度对冠层光合特性与产量有重要影响,为阐明不同基因型玉米品种的耐密性,本研究以先玉335、郑单958、吉单209为供试品种,设置60 000株 hm^-2、75 000株 hm^-2、90 000株 hm^-2、105 000株 hm^-2 4种密度处理,测定并计算6个生育期的叶面积指数(LAI)、光合势(LAD)、净同化率(NAR)以及产量性能参数平均叶面积指数(MLAI)、平均净同化率(MNAR)、收获指数(HI)、单位面积穗数(EN)、单穗粒数(GN)、千粒重(GW),并结合产量性能参数的变化对各品种进行耐密性分析。结果表明,不同品种产量性能参数对密度胁迫的反应相同,MLAI、EN与密度呈显著正相关,MNAR、HI、GN、GW与密度呈显著负相关;各品种产量对密度的响应呈一元二次方程关系,并具有良好的相关性;在试验密度范围内,品种耐密性表现以先玉335最好、郑单958次之,吉单209较差,其中,先玉335的适宜密度范围为90 000~105 000株 hm^-2,郑单958与吉单209的适宜密度范围为75 000~90 000株 hm^-2。     

Effects of Irrigation at Different Growth Stages on Vegetative Growth of Mung Bean, Vigna Radiata (L.) Wilczek, in Dry and Intermediate Zones of Sri Lanka

Mung bean crops in the subhumid zones of Sri Lanka experience significant drought periods. The objective of this study was to quantify the growth response of mung bean to irrigation at different phenological stages and thereby determine the optimum irrigation regime to maximize growth. Four field experiments were conducted at two sites in 1995 and 1996. The crop duration of mung bean was divided into three stages: vegetative (from germination to appearance of first flower), flowering (from appearance of first flower to 75 % pod initiation) and pod-filling (from 75 % pod initiation to maturity). Eight treatments were devised to represent all possible combinations of irrigation at the three stages. Maximum leaf area index (ranging from 0.6 to 2.6 across treatments) and total leaf area duration were increased significantly by irrigation during the vegetative stage. Specific leaf weight decreased and maximum total crop biomass (150–400 g m⁻²) increased with the number of stages irrigated. Irrigation decreased the absolute root biomass and increased the shoot:root ratio. It is concluded that, in this agroclimatic zone of Sri Lanka, irrigation of mung bean during the vegetative stage is critical for maximizing leaf area. However, biomass production can be maximized by increasing the number of stages irrigated irrespective of irrigation at any specific stage.     

雨养条件下玉米穗位叶与产量关系研究

华北地区是我国夏玉米主产区,但该地区地下水超采严重,玉米生育期内经常干旱缺水,雨养玉米已经成为节水农业发展的趋势。筛选简单易行的抗旱指标,对抗旱节水高产玉米品种的评价和选育有重要意义。在雨养水分亏缺条件下,对华北地区广泛种植的10个玉米品种穗位叶性状与产量关系进行相关研究,结果表明,在10个参试品种中浚单20的叶面积中等、叶鲜重和叶干重较重,物质的转运能力较高,其产量最高,具有抗旱节水高产特性。穗位叶各性状间呈极显著正相关,其中叶面积对叶干重的影响较大,穗位叶干重与产量呈显著正相关并具有共线性关系。因此,建议将穗位叶干重作为雨养条件下品种鉴定及选育的指标进行应用。     

Genetic mapping of quantitative trait locus for the leaf morphological traits in a recombinant inbred line population by ultra-high–density maps across multi-environments of maize (Zea mays)

Leaf is the main organ of photosynthetic reaction of plants. Studying the genetic mechanism that affects the leaf shape is very important for the improvement of maize production. In this study, a RIL population, derived from a cross between Ye478 and Qi319, was planted in four different environments, and six leaf morphological traits were measured, including the leaf angle of first leaf above ear, the leaf angle of first leaf below ear, leaf orientation value, leaf area of first leaf above ear, leaf area of ear and leaf area of first leaf below ear. By combining with a genetic map containing 4,602 bin markers, 39 QTLs associated with leaf morphological traits were identified. Among them, four QTLs explained more than 10% of the phenotypic variance, and the QTL qLOV8-2 which controlled LOV not only had a phenotypic contribution rate of 13.86% but also was detected in four environments, which could be considered as a stable major QTL. These results provide useful information for understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling maize leaf morphological traits.     

不同灌水施氮方式对玉米叶片生理特性和产量的影响

为了研究不同灌水施氮方式对玉米叶片生理特性、产量及其构成的影响。以春玉米‘宜单629’为供试材料,监测不同灌水方式下玉米生育期内的叶面积指数(LAI)、生理特性指标和籽粒产量。结果表明,与均匀灌水均匀施氮(CICN)相比,交替灌水均匀施氮(AICN)和交替灌水交替施氮水氮协同供应(AIANS)显著提高玉米抽雄期及以后第7、14、21、28和35天的LAI和叶绿素含量及抽雄期、灌浆期和乳熟期叶片的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)活性、可溶性蛋白含量、玉米行数、行粒数、穗粒数、千粒质量和籽粒产量(P<0.05),但显著降低相应生育期叶片的MDA、可溶性糖和脯氨酸含量(P<0.05)。可见,AICN和AIANS有利于提高玉米的LAI和抗氧化酶活性,改善活性氧产生与清除之间的关系,从而使玉米产量增加。     

Diallel study of open-pollinated maize varieties in Trinidad

Summary In Trinidad, maize (Zea mays L.) is primarily harvested in the immature stage as green ears for human consumption. The purchase of popular imported hybrid seed has become a substantial component of the economic inputs of maize production. The objectives of this study were to investigate combining abilities and heterotic patterns among available open-pollinated varieties and to assess correlations among five important traits: time to silking, plant height, grain yield, ear size, and marketable ears per hectare. General combining ability was significant for all traits. Specific combining ability was significant for all traits except ear size. Three intervarietal crosses showed moderate levels of heterosis (10–27%), and several yielded similarly to the control hybrids, Pioneer X304 and Pioneer 3078. The cross Acid Soil Tolerant 1991 SA-3 X ICTA Farm Corn was selected as the most suitable base population for mass selection. Phenotypic and genotypic correlations among the five traits studied were all positive and significant. Populations which flowered early were shorter and yielded less than the late flowering and taller populations and population crosses included in this study.     

乙矮合剂对不同密度夏玉米花粒期不同部位叶片衰老特性的影响

为探讨乙矮合剂对密植夏玉米叶片衰老及后期早衰的调控机制, 建立华北夏玉米区密植高产稳产化学调控技术, 以中单909和浚单20为材料, 设置乙矮合剂(ECK)和密度梯度处理, 研究密度梯度对夏玉米花粒期不同部位叶片衰老特性的影响与ECK的调控效应。结果表明, 随密度增加, 两品种花粒期单株叶面积减小且降幅增大; 各叶位叶片的叶绿素相对含量和可溶性蛋白含量呈下降趋势; 超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)活性呈降低趋势; 丙二醛(MDA)含量则呈增高趋势; 上述指标在叶位和品种间存在差异。ECK处理显著提高各密度不同部位叶片SOD、CAT、POD活性和叶绿素相对含量及可溶性蛋白含量, 显著降低MDA含量; 单株绿叶面积降幅减小, 叶片衰老进程延缓, 衰老程度减轻。ECK处理后, 较高密度群体下(7.5~10.5万株 hm^-2), 中单909和浚单20较各自对照分别增产5.59%~6.63%和6.73%~8.10%。因此, 采用合理的种植密度结合喷施乙矮合剂可作为华北夏玉米区高产栽培的重要技术措施。     

内蒙古平原灌区高产春玉米(15 t hm-2以上)产量性能及增产途径

针对内蒙古平原灌区春玉米高产(15 t hm^-2以上)群体产量进一步提高难度大,产量挖潜途径不明确的问题,采用产量构成因素分析与产量性能参数分析相互验证的方法,在4年52点次高产(15 t hm^-2以上)群体产量构成因素分析的基础上,设计不同品种密度试验,研究增密对不同品种群体产量性能的影响,明确不同类型玉米品种的增产途径和栽培调控的主攻方向。结果表明,穗数和穗粒数是决定高产(15 t hm^-2以上)群体产量的主要因素。实现15 t hm^-2以上群体的产量结构为：穗数(7.08~9.60)×10⁴穗,穗粒数477~654粒,千粒重324.7~388.7 g,穗粒重168.9~234.0 g。其合理群体结构衡量指标是LAI_max在6.5以上,平均LAI在5左右,收获期LAI在3.5以上。高秆大穗型品种理想的产量结构是：67 500~75 000穗 hm^-2,每穗610~640粒,千粒重380 g左右,单穗粒重220~240 g,产量大于15 t hm^-2;株高适中的中小穗型品种,理想产量结构是： 75 000~97 500穗 hm^-2,每穗520~600粒,千粒重340~355 g,单穗粒重180~220 g,产量在16.5 t hm^-2以上。密度增加促进平均作物生长率(MCGR)和单位面积总籽粒数(TGN)的增加进而提高产量,但增密后平均净同化率(MNAR)降低导致穗粒数显著降低并限制了TGN的提高潜力。通过增密为主的结构性挖潜,使得群体功能的增益大于个体生产性能的降低,实现高产(15 t hm^-2以上),属于“得失性补偿增产”;在优化群体结构的基础上,提高个体生产能力,突破个体库容降低的限制,进行功能性挖潜,实现群体结构和个体功能协同增益的“差异性补偿增产”,是产量进一步提高的重要途径。     

Yield and Yield Components from Intercropping Improved Bush Bean Cultivars with Maize

Bush bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is widely intercropped with maize ( Zea mays L.) in North-west Spain. Little information is available on the relative performance of elite bush bean cultivars when intercropped or on the effect of bush bean on performance of the maize crop. This two-environment study presents the interactions between improved bush bean cultivars and maize on yield and yield components. Eight treatments (four bean/maize intercrops and four sole crops, two of bean and two of maize) were tested using a randomized complete block design with four replications in two environments. Bean and maize were planted simultaneously in alternate rows when intercropped. Significant treatment differences were observed for bean and maize moisture, pod and cob percentage, bean and maize yield, ears per plant and ear length. Location effects were significant for bean and maize moisture and pod percentage. Significant treatment by location interactions occurred for pod percentage and ear length. Intercropping reduced yield by between 40 and 60 % for bush bean cultivars, and by 45 % for both maize cultivars. Mean yields were used to calculate the land equivalent ratio (LER), which averaged 1.01 in Pontevedra but 0.93 in La Coruña. Intercropping of bush bean with maize did not make better use of land than conventional sole cropping under these environmental conditions. It is suggested that this was probably due to the amount and distribution of rain in relation to crop growth. Approaches that might be expected to result in improved land usage are presented.     

不同熟期夏玉米品种籽粒灌浆与脱水特性及其密度效应

研究不同熟期夏玉米品种籽粒灌浆与脱水特性及种植密度的调控作用, 以期为黄淮海地区夏玉米籽粒机收提供科学依据。2016—2017年在山东农业大学玉米科技创新园, 种植早熟玉米品种登海518 (DH518)、衡早8号(HZ8)和中晚熟玉米品种郑单958 (ZD958)、登海605 (DH605), 设60 000、75 000、90 000株 hm ^-23个种植密度。结果表明, 早熟品种DH518、HZ8较中晚熟品种ZD958、DH605灌浆期短, 产量低。4个品种生理成熟时的籽粒含水率与其生育期相关性不显著, 早熟品种籽粒后期脱水速率快, DH518和HZ8从籽粒达最大含水量到生理成熟的脱水速率均值较ZD958和DH605两年分别高0.015% °C ^-1和0.014% °C ^-1。相关性分析显示, 籽粒脱水速率与灌浆速率相关性不显著, 生育后期籽粒含水率与茎鞘、叶片含水率呈显著正相关, 与苞叶、穗轴含水率呈极显著正相关。随种植密度的增加, 不同品种籽粒灌浆期缩短, 平均灌浆速率降低, 籽粒生理成熟时的含水率降低。合理增加种植密度能够显著提高不同熟期夏玉米品种的产量。     

种植密度、氮肥和水分胁迫对玉米产量形成的影响

为阐明种植密度、氮肥和水分胁迫对不同玉米品种产量形成的影响,选用6个玉米品种,在两种密度(45 000株 hm^-2和75 000株 hm^-2)、两种施氮水平(纯氮112.5 kg hm^-2和337.5 kg hm^-2)和两种水分(前期干旱控水和正常灌水)处理下进行大田试验,调查玉米源库性状的主要生理参数和籽粒产量。结果表明,在环境压力较小时(低密度、高氮和正常灌水),玉米品种间籽粒产量、源性状(叶面积指数、穗位叶净光合速率和群体源供应能力)、库性状(群体库容量)、源库协调性状(群体库源比值、籽粒灌浆速率和收获指数)以及成熟期干物质积累量和吐丝期至成熟期干物质积累量差异较小,而逆境胁迫下(高密度、低氮和干旱),差异较大。环境压力较大时(高密度、低氮和干旱),叶面积指数、群体源供应能力、成熟期干物质积累量、吐丝期至成熟期干物质积累量、群体库容量和收获指数与籽粒产量呈显著或极显著正相关。由此说明,在玉米品种产量改良中要强化逆境人工选择,以适应自然选择,改善玉米品种逆境下的群体源库性状,增强吐丝期至成熟期叶片的光合生产效率,强源促库,提高逆境下的生产能力和适应性。     

Effects of Plant Population Density and Intercropping with Soybean on the Fractal Dimension of Corn Plant Skeletal Images

Three-year field experiments were conducted to determine whether the temporal pattern of fractal dimension (FD) for corn ( Zea mays L.) plant structure is altered by plant population density (PPD) or intercropping with soybean [ Glycine max. (L.) Merr.], and how changes in the FD are related to changes in other canopy characteristics. Plants in monocropped corn and intercropped corn–soybean plots were randomly sampled and labelled for later identification. Corn plant structure was photographed from the side that allowed the maximum appearance of details (perpendicular to the plane of developed leaves) and from two fixed sides (side 1: parallel to the row and side 2: perpendicular to the row). Images were scanned and skeletonized, as skeletal images provide acceptable information to estimate the FD of plant structure two-dimensionally by the box-counting method. Differences in the FD estimated from images taken perpendicular to the plane of developed leaves were not significant among competition treatments. An adjustment of corn plants to treatments, by changing the orientation of the plane of developed leaves with respect to the row, was observed. Based on overall FD means, competition treatments were ranked as: high > normal ≈ intercrop ≈ low for side 1 and intercrop > low ≈ normal > high for side 2. Leaf area index (LAI) and plant height had a positive correlation with FD. In contrast, light penetration had a negative correlation with FD. In conclusion, FD provides a meaningful and effective tool for quantifying corn plant structure, measuring the structural response to cultural practices, and modelling corn plant canopies.