KERNEL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AT TWO POSITIONS ON THE EAR OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS)

Abstract

Studies were conducted in 1975 at Guelph, Ontario, to examine kernel growth and development at two positions on the ear of the maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids United-H106 and Funk’s G-4444. Development of kernels at the base and at the tip of the ear was studied from 2 wk before silk emergence to black layer formation. Kernels at the tip of the ear lagged 4–5 days in development behind kernels at the base of the ear during the period from the start of silk growth to the onset of LDMP (the period of linear dry matter accumulation of the kernels). Tip kernels on 25% of the ears of United-H106 ceased dry matter accumulation at the onset of LDMP. Differences in kernel dry weight at black layer formation between basal and tip kernels of Funk’s G-4444 ears, and ears of United-H106 in which tip-kernel growth had not ceased at the onset of LDMP could be attributed to a shorter duration of LDMP of tip kernels and a lower rate of tip-kernel dry matter accumulation during LDMP. LDMP of tip kernels did not stop at an earlier date than LDMP of basal kernels. The lower rate of tip-kernel dry matter accumulation during LDMP may be attributable to a lower volume of tip kernels at the onset of LDMP.