Assessing Variations in SPAD‐502 Chlorophyll Meter Measurements and Their Relationships with Nutrient Content of Trembling Aspen Foliage

Abstract

The relative chlorophyll content in leaves estimated by the SPAD‐502 chlorophyll meter can be an efficient way to evaluate plant nitrogen (N) status in many crops and some tree species. In this study, the SPAD meter was used to look for relationships between relative leaf chlorophyll content and leaf nutrient concentration in trembling aspen. The variations in leaf chlorophyll measurements were also evaluated by using three sampling times and three measurement techniques. Hypothetical experimental designs were created to achieve better design efficiency. The best representation of overall leaf chlorophyll was found when six SPAD readings were taken at different locations on each leaf. There was a positive correlation between overall leaf N and estimated chlorophyll content, especially in the top part of the trees. Overall, this study suggested that the SPAD meter can give an estimation of trembling aspen nutritional status, especially if the differential partitioning of N within trees is considered.     

Ammonium concentration in solution affects chlorophyll meter readings in tomato leaves

Abstract

Combinations of NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N usually result in higher tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yields than when either form of nitrogen (N) was used alone. Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf N content, but the effect of the NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratio on leaf greenness was not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratios on chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings, and evaluate the meter as a N status estimator and tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. Fruit yield and SPAD readings increased as the amount of NH₄‐N in solution increased up to 25%, while higher ratios of NH₄‐N resulted in a decline in both. The N concentration in tomato leaves increased as concentration of NH₄‐N in solution increased. Fruit yield increased as chlorophyll readings increased. SPAD readings, total N in leaves, fresh weight of shoots, and fruit yield all showed a quadratic response to NH₄‐N, reaching a peak at 25 or 50% of N as NH₄‐N. SPAD readings taken at the vegetative and flowering stages of growth had the highest correlation (r²=0.54) with N concentration in leaves, but this could not be used as a reliable estimate of N status and fruit yield. Lack of correspondence between high N concentration values and fruit yield indicated a detrimental effect of NH₄‐N on chlorophyll molecules or chloroplast structure. The SPAD readings, however, may be used to determine the optimum NH₄‐N concentration in solution to maximize fruit yield.     

Estimation of Chlorophyll Contents by Correlations between SPAD‐502 Meter and Chroma Meter in Butterhead Lettuce

Abstract

Chlorophyll content of butterhead lettuce leaves was estimated by correlations between the Minolta SPAD‐502 and Minolta chroma meter CR 300. The SPAD‐502 readings and extractable chlorophyll (Chl a, Chl b, and total Chlorophyll) contents were related. High linear correlations were obtained for chlorophyll a (R²=0.90), chlorophyll b (R²=0.85), and total chlorophyll (R²=0.92). After that, during the growth cycle of butterhead lettuce grown in soilless culture, leaves were selected and SPAD‐502 and chroma meter readings were made. Finally, correlations between SPAD‐502 readings and leaf color (L*, a*, b*, C*, and hue angle) determined by the chroma meter were calculated. Hue angle (H°; R²=0.75) and lightness index (L*; R²=0.68) were the parameters that better relate with SPAD‐502 readings, so these parameters can also be used for rapid and nondestructive estimates of leaf chlorophyll in situ.     

Use of a hand‐held chlorophyll meter in winter wheat: Evaluation of different measuring positions on the leaves

A portable chlorophyll meter (Minolta SPAD‐502) was used to assess the nitrogen status of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in two fertilizer trials at Apelsvoll Research Centre, located in south‐east Norway. The midpoint of the last fully developed leaf was found to be the best position on the winter wheat plant on which to take chlorophyll meter readings. This conclusion was reached after examination of the relationships between soil‐plant analyses development (SPAD) readings taken at different positions on the plant and leaf nitrogen concentration, grain yield and grain protein content. Emphasis was also laid on finding a measuring position that was convenient from a practical point of view. The relationships between chlorophyll meter readings and the parameters investigated were better at Zadoks growth stage (GS) 49 than earlier in the season at GS 31.     

Tomato leaf chlorophyll meter readings as affected by variety,nitrogen form,and nighttime nutrient solution strength

Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf nitrogen (N) content, so it is reasonable to assume that ammonium‐N (NH₄‐N): nitrate‐N (NO₃‐N) ratio in the nutrient solution used to grow tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) hydroponically may affect leaf greenness, and consequently chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings. It has also been shown that increasing nutrient solution strength (NSS) increases tomato productivity, but there are no reports regarding how NSS affects SPAD readings under greenhouse conditions. Genotype may also influence SPAD readings, and standardization for cultivar and sampling time may be needed. The objective of this study was to characterize SPAD readings for five tomato cultivars and SPAD reading response to a combination of two NSS (1X and 4X Steiner solution strength daily applied 18 days after transplanting at 7 p.m.) and two concentrations of NH₄‐N in solution (0 and 25%) in order to evaluate the potential of SPAD readings as a tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. The SPAD readings were not uniform across tomato varieties tested, being consistently higher for ‘Max’ and lower for the other varieties. Initially, SPAD readings for tomato varieties used in this study were low at the vegetative stage, and increased up to 40 DAT, but subsequently decreased at 49 DAT, or the fruit set of the first and second clusters. After this time, SPAD readings showed no variation. Chlorophyll meter readings for ‘Max’ were higher in the top plant layers, but decreased in the top plant layer of the other tomato varieties. The SPAD readings were higher for plants supplied with 25% NH₄‐N than those without NH₄‐N in solution, but the use of a nighttime nutrient solution did not affect SPAD readings. None of the possible interactions among tomato variety, NH₄‐N: NO₃‐N ratio, and NSS were consistently significant.     

Relationship between chlorophyll meter readings and nitrogen in poinsettia leaves

Chlorophyll meters are used for non-destructive estimation of leaf nitrogen (N). The objective of this study was to evaluate the readings with several chlorophyll meters (SPAD-502, atLEAF, and CCM-300), different sampling sites on leaves, number of leaves used for sampling, and different types of leaf N sampling on estimation of N in leaves of potted poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) “Prestige Red.” Results showed that all meters gave readings that were correlated for N determination and also were correlated with each other. SPAD and atLEAF showed interaction between different N treatments and different sampling sites on the leaves, while CCM readings were affected by different sampling sites on the leaf. atLEAF readings showed interaction between number of leaves sampled and different N treatments. Thus, during sensor-based leaf N estimation, sampling site on leaf, number of leaves sampled, and stage of plant development should be considered to minimize error.     

Leaf Chlorophyll Readings as an Indicator for Spinach Yield and Nutritional Quality with Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Applications

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of predicting the concentrations of total nitrogen (N), nitrate-nitrogen, and ascorbic acid in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves using the pocket chlorophyll meter SPAD-502 (Minolta, Japan) in a pot experiment in a greenhouse. Spinach plants were grown in plastic pots filled with 0.5 kg of brown soil per pot with urea as N fertilizer at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 240 mg N/kg soil. SPAD readings of the two uppermost fully expanded leaves were recorded 18, 25, and 32 d after sowing and at harvesting (34 d). Dry-matter biomass and total N concentrations in leaves and roots, and NO₃-N, and ascorbic acid concentrations in leaves, were measured after harvesting. SPAD readings showed continuous reduction with increasing growth period irrespective of N applications. SPAD readings at harvest were significantly correlated with total N, leaf dry weight (DW), and NO₃-N concentration. However, this correlation did not exist between SPAD readings and ascorbic acid concentrations in leaves. The above results suggest that it is possible to apply SPAD readings to estimate NO₃-N concentrations in spinach plants, and that they may be applied for field assessments in decision-making and operational nutrient-management programs for the plant. Furthermore, the SPAD method may also be useful for ascertaining the harvest time. The results suggest that treatment with 120 mg N/kg significantly improved both leaf yields and leaf quality (i.e., leaf nitrate-N concentration and ascorbic acid). Too little and too much N fertilizer was not good for yield or spinach quality.     

应用叶绿素计诊断烤烟氮素营养状况

为探讨叶绿素计在估测烤烟叶绿素和氮浓度上的应用价值,进行了3个田间试验。即:郑州点2003年设施N.51.0.kg/hm2与4个品种NC89、RG17、85048、541;2004年设5个氮肥用量:N.30.04、0.5、51.0、61.5、75.0.kg/hm2与2个品种中烟101、云烟85;玉溪点于2005年设5个氮肥用量:N.02、7.0、54.5、81.8、109.0.kg/hm2与K326品种的试验。测定了不同试验条件下烤烟叶片的叶绿素计(SPAD-502和CCM-200)值和实际叶绿素浓度、全氮浓度,并进行了三者关系分析。结果表明,应用叶绿素计监测烤烟叶片最佳测定部位为完全展开叶的中部。叶绿素计测定值因年份、地点、氮肥水平、叶位、同一叶片不同的部位而异。叶绿素计值与叶绿素浓度、叶片全氮浓度之间有稳定的极显著相关性。叶绿素计SPAD-502的SPAD值和CCM-200的CCI值与叶绿素浓度之间的决定系数分别为0.8755(P0.001)和0.9499(P0.001)。SPAD计值(SPAD)与全氮浓度(N)之间回归方程为N=0.0265SPAD+0.9601(R2=0.7649,P0.001),经检验该模型具有较好的精确性和普适性,利用叶绿素计进行烤烟氮素营养监测是可行的。     

Chlorophyll meter predicts nitrogen status of tall fescue

The nitrogen (N) status of a crop can be used to predict yield and supplemental N fertilizer requirements, and rapid techniques for evaluating the N status of crops are needed. A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using a hand held chlorophyll meter (SPAD 502, Minolta Co. Ltd., Japan) to monitor N status of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Four diverse tall fescue genotypes were grown at three locations in Alabama and fertilized at four N‐rates from 0 to 336 kg ha^‐1. A similar experiment was conducted in the greenhouse using soil from the same field sites. Chlorophyll meter readings (SPAD) were taken, and extractable chlorophyll content, tissue N concentration and dry matter yield were determined at harvest. SPAD, extractable chlorophyll content, tissue N concentration, and dry matter yield increased quadratically (0.67 < R² < 0.99) with increasing N fertilization in both experiments. All genotypes responded similarly to applied N, with some differences in magnitude. Relationships between SPAD meter readings and extractable chlorophyll and tissue N concentrations were linear with r² > 0.95. An additional independent variable, the square root of the inverse of SPAD, lowered the residual mean square by 11 and 16%, respectively, for tissue‐N and chlorophyll concentrations, but did not increase the R². This would be preferred for predictive purposes. Tissue N concentrations at higher N‐rates were sufficient for maximum yield which occurred at 290 and 248 kg N ha^‐1 for greenhouse and field, respectively, but were lower than previously reported sufficiency values. The chlorophyll meter is an easy and efficient method of detecting tall fescue N status.     

Chlorophyll meter readings in corn as affected by plant spacing

Abstract

Heightened environmental consciousness has increased the perceived need to improve nitrogen (N) use efficiency by crops. Synchronizing fertilizer N availability with maximum crop N uptake has been proposed as a way to improve N‐use efficiency and protect ground water quality. Chlorophyll meters (Minolta SPAD 502) have the potential to conveniently evaluate the N status of corn (Zea mays L.) and help improve N management. A potential problem with the use of chlorophyll meters is the effect of within‐row plant spacing on meter reading variability. Chlorophyll meter readings and leaf N concentration of irrigated corn at anthesis and grain yield at harvest were measured on plants grouped into eight within‐row plant spacing categories. Leaf N concentration was not affected by plant spacings, but chlorophyll meter readings and grain yield per plant increased as plant competition decreased and N fertilizer rate increased. These data indicate that avoiding plants having extreme spacings can greatly increase precision when using chlorophyll meters to evaluate the N status of corn.     

Effects of the Frequency of Iron Chelate Supply by Fertigation on Iron Chlorosis in Citrus

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out in a drip‐irrigated orchard of Clementine (Citrus clementina Ort. ex. Tan) grafted on Troyer citrange (C. sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) rootstock located in the Valencian Citrus area (Spain). The trees received a single iron (Fe) EDDHA (ethylene diamine diorthohydroxyphenyl acetate) rate (3 g Fe tree^?1) supplied in different application frequencies from April to September (8‐, 4‐, 2‐, or 1‐week intervals). Leaf chlorophyll (Chl) concentrations were estimated every month by using an SPAD‐502 meter. The foliar contents of Fe were also evaluated with time. Mineral composition of leaves, total Chl concentration, yield, and fruit quality were also evaluated at the end of the assay. SPAD readings, Chl, N, K, Mg, Fe, and Mn concentration in leaves increased as a result of Fe application. The concentration of Zn, however, significantly decreased in comparison to the control trees. Iron treatment increased yield and some of the fruit quality parameters, like total juice, sugar, and acid contents. Iron application frequency had not a consistent effect on the concentrations of macro and micronutrients in leaves, yield, and fruit quality. The highest values of SPAD readings and the leaf Chl content were obtained when Fe was applied at 4‐week intervals along the year. These results suggest that soil Fe‐EDDHA application with a moderate frequency could be recommended to the Citrus farmers in the area for a more rational Fe application along the growth cycle in Citrus orchards.     

TOMATO LEAF CHLOROPHYLL METER READINGS AS AFFECTED BY VARIETY,NITROGEN FORM,AND NIGHTTIME NUTRIENT SOLUTION STRENGTH

ABSTRACT

Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf nitrogen (N) content, so it is reasonable to assume that NH₄–N:NO₃–N ratio in the nutrient solution used to grow tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) hydroponically may affect leaf greenness, and consequently chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings. It has also been shown that increasing nutrient solution strength (NSS) increases tomato productivity, but there are no reports regarding how NSS affects SPAD readings under greenhouse conditions. Genotype may also influence SPAD readings, and standardization for cultivar and sampling time may be needed. The objective of this study was to characterize SPAD readings for five tomato cultivars, and SPAD reading response to a combination of two nutrient solutions strength (NSS) (1X and 4X Steiner solution strength daily applied 18 days after transplanting at 7 p.m.) and two concentrations of NH₄–N in solution (0 and 25%) in order to evaluate the potential of SPAD readings as a tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. The SPAD readings were not uniform across tomato varieties tested, being consistently higher for “Max” and lower for the other varieties. Initially, SPAD readings for tomato varieties used in this study were low at the vegetative stage, and increased up to 40 days after transplant (DAT), but subsequently decreased at 49 DAT, or the fruit set of the first and second clusters. After this time, SPAD readings showed no variation. Chlorophyll meter readings for Max were higher in the top plant layers, but decreased in the top plant layer of the other tomato varieties. The SPAD readings were higher for plants supplied with 25% NH₄–N than those without NH₄–N in solution, but the use of a nighttime nutrient solution did not affect SPAD readings. None of the possible interactions among tomato variety, NH₄–N:NO₃–N ratio, and NSS were consistently significant. SAPD readings may be useful in monitoring low or high supply of N in greenhouse grown tomato plants.     

Evaluation of the Minolta SPAD‐502 chlorophyll meter for nitrogen management in corn

The field study investigated the relationship of Minolta SPAD 502 (SPAD) readings to applied nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate, corn (Zea mays L.) yield, and leaf N concentration. The experiment was conducted on a total of six sites in Illinois during 1991 and 1992. Ten different open pedigree corn hybrids were grown at a final population of 65,000 plants ha^‐1. Nitrogen was applied at four rates(0, 90, 180, and 270 kgN ha^‐1) as 28% liquid N solution. Significant main effects of environment (E), and hybrid (H), and E x H interaction were detected for all measured parameters. SPAD readings and leaf N concentration at all sampling times (V7, R1, and R4) as well as grain N concentration were affected by N fertilizer rate. Maximum mean grain yield and maximum grain N concentration were obtained at 110 and 195 kg N ha^‐1, respectively. At all sampling times the correlation of SPAD readings to N fertilizer rate were low but significant (R=0.22 at V7 and R1, R=0.11 at R4). SPAD correlation to corresponding leaf N concentration improved over time. The Pearson correlation was R=0.33 at V7 and increased to R=0.78 at R4. The SPAD meter did a good job at providing a measure of the relative greenness of living leaves at a specific point in time. Chlorophyll readings can therefore be useful in detecting N deficiencies in growing crops. But, the SPAD meter cannot be used to make accurate predictions of how much fertilizer N will be needed by a crop during the future growing season. We conclude then that the SPAD meter will be most useful as a diagnostic aid rather than a tool for N management in corn.     

Estimation of Leaf,Root, and Sap Nitrogen Status using the SPAD‐502 Chlorophyll Meter for Ornamental Shrubs

Abstract

The SPAD‐502 chlorophyll meter was evaluated as a rapid tool to predict plant nitrogen (N) concentration. The SPAD‐502 index utility, as a comparative tool with respect to N nutritional status, was evaluated for Laurustine (Viburnum tinus L.), tobir (Pittosporum tobira Thumb.), and strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.). The effect of sampling time on the SPAD‐502 index measures was also evaluated. Two sand culture experiments evaluating 1, 3, 5, and 7 mmol_c · L^?1 of total N concentration in nutrient solution and 70/30, 50/50, 40/60, and 30/70% nitrate/ammonium (NO₃ ^?/NH₄ ⁺) ratios were applied. In a media experiment, with similar conditions and fertilization, the accuracy of the SPAD‐502 regression data was evaluated. Leaf, root, and sap samples were taken in the middle and at the end of each experiment. Regression equations were established among leaf N, root N, of sap N analyzed concentrations and SPAD values with regard to global, as well as specific, data within each sampling time. Regression coefficients (b) among leaf N and SPAD were highly significant (P<0.05) for practically all sampling times. However, liner regression equations were different in all treatments among all the sampling dates. Determination coefficients (R²), in some cases, show that the SPAD‐502 index is not an adequate method for leaf, root, or sap N concentration fir Viburnum tinus L. and Pittosporum tobira Thumb. or for root or sap for Arbutus unedo L. in these experimental conditions. Nonetheless, the SPAD‐502 index could be a useful tool for relative comparison purposes and field operational nutrient management. However, the SPAD‐502 leaf greenness meter is a relatively good tool for leaf N and nutritional diagnosis for Arbutus unedo L. within the 38–66 SPAD‐502 index range.     

Impact of Fertilization and Irrigation on the Correlation between the Soil Plant Analysis Development Value and Yield of Maize

The degree of nitrogen (N) supply in maize under nonirrigated and irrigated conditions was measured using a Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) 502 portable chlorophyll meter for 4 years. The lowest readings were obtained from a plot that has not been fertilized for 23 years. The highest SPAD value in the nonirrigated treatments was obtained in 2004, whereas the lowest was measured in the drought year of 2007. In the irrigated treatments, there was a closer correlation between fertilization and SPAD values during the examined 4 years. As the result of fertilization, the average increase of SPAD values in the irrigated plots was greater than in the nonirrigated plots. The result of irrigation on SPAD values was significant every year (P < 0.001), with the largest increase in the drought year of 2003. In the nonirrigated treatments, fertilization and grain yield had a weak correlation, whereas in the irrigated treatments the correlation between the two variables was strong.     

Use of Chlorophyll Meter to Assess the Effect of Nitrogen on Sweet Pepper Development and Growth

Abstract

The evolution of both leaf expansion and chlorophyll content was assessed in potted sweet pepper plants subjected to four different levels of nitrogen (mg N/kg of soil): N1 = 25 (basal dressing); N2 = 50 (basal dressing); N3 = 100 (basal dressing and one side dressing); and, N4 = 150 (basal dressing and two side dressings). In each plant, the first leaves (numbered 1–5) were chosen at the main stem and the next four ramifications. The relative chlorophyll content of leaves 1 to 5, from all treatments, was obtained by a portable chlorophyll meter, SPAD-502, twice a week. The SPAD readings were subsequently converted into total chlorophyll (μ g cm^{? 2}). The plant dry weight, the number of fruits per plant, and the N content of leaves were measured at final harvest (70 d after transplantation, DAT). Until the first side dressing (35 DAT), the increase in chlorophyll content was similar in all treatments, decreasing afterward under the N1 and N2 treatments (leaves 1 and 2), while under the N3 and N4 treatments the increase in the chlorophyll content continued after the first side dressing. The application of the second side dressing (53 DAT) under the N4 treatment induced a subsequent increase in chlorophyll content in all leaves compared with those of N3. An early senescence was observed under the N1 and N2 treatments compared with the others. Applied N in side dressing led to an increase in leaf width (leaves 2–5) and longevity, mainly in leaves 2 and 3, and a subsequent increase under fruit number and fruit dry weight under the N3 and N4 treatments.     

Leaf chlorophyll readings as an indicator of nitrogen status and yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) grown in soils amended with Luecaena leucocephala prunings

A field study was conducted to evaluate the nitrogen status and yield of spinach grown in soils amended with prunings of Leucaena leucocephala, (applied at a rate of 3, 5, 7 or 11 t ha^?1). A ‘no fertilizer’ 0 nitrogen (N) and 150 kg N ha^?1 (recommended) were the control treatments. SPAD readings were recorded for the top six leaves. Nitrogen sufficiency indices were used to indicate the N status of plants. Application of L. leucocephala prunings increased spinach yields (8.98–13.86 t DM ha^?1) relative to the 0N treatment (1.35 t DM ha^?1) and yields increased with increasing rate of pruning application. SPAD readings showed a linear increase with the increase in applied prunings. There was preferential distribution of N to upper leaves. The relationship between shoot N concentration and SPAD readings was linear and strongest for the top three leaves (r² = 0.84–0.92). The results indicate the potential of chlorophyll meter readings in assessing N status of leafy vegetables grown on soils amended with different levels of legume tree prunings.     

叶绿素仪在氮肥推荐中的应用研究进展

叶绿素仪(Chlorophyll.meter)是近年来欧美一些国家在推荐施氮中开始使用的一种新型便携式仪器。这种仪器以叶绿素对红光和近红外光的不同吸收特性为原理来测定植物叶片的相对叶绿素含量,通过叶绿素与叶片全氮的关系来反映作物的氮营养状况,进而确定作物是否缺氮。这种新型仪器的使用为简便、快速、准确地进行氮肥推荐提供了一种新的思路。因此,通过研究不同作物,不同种植条件下叶绿素仪测定值与作物叶片全氮、作物产量之间的相关性,确定叶绿素仪测定值的临界水平,以及不同作物的测定部位、样品采集数量及影响测定准确性的因素,使这种技术尽快地应用于田间生产,有助于推动我国推荐施氮技术的进步。     

Determination of cotton nitrogen status with a handheld chlorophyll meter

The ability of a hand‐held chlorophyll meter (SPAD‐502 Chlorophyll Meter³, Minolta Camera Co., Ltd., Japan) to determine the N status of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was studied at field sites in Alabama and Missouri. Meter readings on the uppermost fully‐expanded leaf were compared to leaf‐blade N and petiole NO₃‐N at first square, first bloom and midbloom as to their seed cotton yield predictive capability. Nitrogen was applied at rates of 0, 45, 90, 135, 180 and 225 kg ha^‐1 to establish a range of cotton chlorophyll levels, tissue N concentrations, and seed cotton yields. A typical curvilinear cotton yield response to N fertilizer was observed in Alabama experiments.

Because of adverse weather conditions, cotton yield in Missouri experiments did not respond to N. Chlorophyll meter readings were significantly correlated to leaf‐blade N concentration at all three stages of growth for all experiments. In Alabama, chlorophyll meter readings compared favorably to leaf‐blade N and petiole NO₃‐N with respect to their seed cotton yield predictive capability at all three stages of growth. It appears that hand‐held chlorophyll meters would be as reliable as leaf‐blade N and petiole NO₃‐N for predicting supplemental N fertilization requirements of cotton. However, more research will be required prior to use of chlorophyll meter readings for routine cotton‐N recommendation purposes.     

INTER-RELATIONSHIPS OF APPLIED NITROGEN,SPAD, AND YIELD OF LEAFY AND NON-LEAFY MAIZE GENOTYPES

The SPAD chlorophyll meter was found to be a reliable, quick, and non-destructive tool used for directly measuring leaf chlorophyll and indirectly assessing the proportional parameter of leaf, and by extension, plant nitrogen (N) status. The meter has been used successfully to assess leaf N in conventional maize crops, but it has not been used with new maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes containing leafy (L) and reduced stature (RS) traits. SPAD meter readings were collected on the uppermost fully developed leaves (before silking) and on the ear leaf (after silking) of field grown maize genotypes with and without the L and RS traits. The experiment was conducted during 1996 and 1997 at two sites in Eastern Canada (Ottawa and Montreal). At each site in each year, a split plot arrangement of two treatment factors was used in a randomized complete block design with four blocks. The main plot treatments were levels of N (0, 85, 170, and 255 kg ha^?1), with six maize genotypes as subplot treatments. The hybrids included: (i) leafy reduced-stature, LRS, (ii) non-leafy normal stature, NLNS, (iii) leafy normal stature, (LNS), (iv) non-leafy reduced-stature, NLRS, (v) conventional commercial hybrids, Pioneer 3905 as the hybrid check for late maturity, and (vi) Pioneer 3979, a check for early maturity. The hybrids were chosen on the basis of their contrasting canopies and root architecture. The SPAD meter readings were collected on the same five plant genotypes over time (six times per site per year, except four times for the Ottawa site in 1997). All genotypes showed increasing meter reading values as plants aged until silking. In general, SPAD meter readings increased as N fertilization level increased at each measurement date for both sites and years. In general, LNS and P3905 hybrids showed greater SPAD meter readings than other hybrids at all sampling dates for both sites and growing seasons. Applied N rates were significantly correlated with the SPAD meter readings. More highly significant relationships were found for N fertilizer levels and SPAD meter readings for the hybrids in 1997 than for the hybrids in 1996. For the Montreal site in 1997, LRS, LNS and P3905 hybrids were among those showing the highest r values between N level and SPAD readings. The correlation coefficients between SPAD readings and grain yield were generally lower. However, the NLNS hybrid had a high SPAD-yield correlation at the Macdonald site in 1997.