Seasonal Patterns of Photosynthetic Traits in Early Maturing Maize

A biochemical approach to maize breeding must be based on an exact knowledge about changes of relevant traits with ontogenetic stage. In 1983 seasonal patterns of net assimilation rate (NAR), chlorophyll and carotenoids contents, and of activities of RuBP carboxylase, PEP carboxylase and NADP malate dehydrogenase were recorded for two early maturing maize cultivars. For all traits the general trends were similar for both cultivars throughout the growing season but short term fluctuations were less synchronized after anthesis. About 75% of the maximum green leaf area was expanded within 20 days around middle of July. Specific seasonal patterns were observed for all traits. Before anthesis values were maximum for NAR in late June and in early July, for enzyme activities at the end of June and for pigment contents at the beginning of July. First decreases occurred for all traits before anthesis, further decreases were observed for PEP carboxylase in August and for chlorophyll content in September. Marked temporary declines coincided for NAR and pigment contents with a cold spell end of June and for these traits and RuBP carboxylase activity with anthesis. Evidence was scarce that any of the photosynthetic traits reflected the photosynthetic efficience of the two cultivars for a long stretch of time.