Effect of Water Stress on Production and Quality of Sweet Corn Seed1

Abstract

Four mid-season inbreds of sweet corn ( Zea mays L.) were subjected to moderate or high soil moisture stress at tasseling, silking, or 2 weeks after silking. Soil moisture stress two weeks after silking was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of stalk rot symptoms 80 days after planting. Stalk rot and the percent seed-borne Fusarium moniliforme Sheld. were highly correlated. Stress at silking significantly reduced both yield components and seed quality attributes. Seed size distribution was influenced by the occurrence of water deficits, while the percent marketable seed was not.