Abstract
In order to study the effects of nitrogen levels and defoliation on grain yield, yield components, and assimilate redistribution in maize (single cross 704), a field experiment was conducted in south-west of Iran in 2010–2011. The experiment was split-plot in the form of randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots consisted of four nitrogen rates (0, 80, 160 and 240 kg N ha−1) and elimination of some physiological resources including defoliation of upper and lower leaves of the canopy at anthesis stage and control (un-manipulated) were placed in sub-plots. Results indicated that the effect of nitrogen fertilizers and defoliation on grain yield was significant (P < 1 %), but the effect of nitrogen and defoliation interaction on this trait was not. The lowest and the highest grain yield belonged to 0 and 240 kg N ha−1, respectively. As compared to the un-manipulated treatment, grain yield was 22.2 and 4.2 % lower in defoliation of upper and lower leaves, respectively. Grain yield reduction in defoliation of upper leaves was due to significant reduction of the number of grains and their weight. As the nitrogen rates increased to 160 and 240 kg ha−1, stem assimilate redistribution increased and somewhat compensated for the effect of defoliation of lower leaves of the maize on its grain yield.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Pushpangadan P, Ijinu TP, Mohan Dan V, Thomas A, Avinash S, George V (2012) Recent advances of agricultural biotechnology in the light of climate change. Proc Natl Acad Sci India Sect B 28(2):381–386
Rajcan I, Tollenaar M (1999) Source: sink ratio and leaf senescence in maize: I. Dry matter accumulation and partitioning during grain filling. Field Crops Res 60:245–253
Miralles DJ, Slafer GA (2007) Sink limitations to yield in wheat: how could it be reduced? J Agric Sci 145:139–149
Sadeghi F (2000) Research reports on maize and forage crops research projects. Publications of Agricultural Research Center, Iran
Khanna-Chopra R, Maheswari M (1998) Effect of altering source availability on expression of sink capacity in a maize hybrid and its parents. Eur J Agron 9:101–107
Esechie HA (1992) Effect of planting density on growth and grain yield of irrigated maize. Agron J 119:156–169
Arduini I, Masoni A, Ercoli L, Mariotti M (2006) Grain yield, and dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and remobilization in durum wheat as affected by variety and seeding rate. Eur J Agron 25:309–318
Prystupa P, Savin R, Slafer GA (2004) Grain number and its relationship with dry matter, N and P in the spikes at heading in response to N × P fertilization in barley. Field Crops Res 90:245–254
Modhej A (2011) Study of physiological source-sink relationship in wheat genotypes (Triticum estivum and T. durum and Triticale hexaploid Lart.) in Ahvaz environment. Iran J Agric Res 9(2):258–264
Dordas C (2009) Dry matter, nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation, partitioning and remobilization as affected by N and P fertilization and source–sink relations. Eur J Agronomy 30:129–139
Royo C, Voltas J, Romagosa I (1999) Remobilization of pre-anthesis assimilates to grain for grain and dual—purpose (Forage and grain) triticale. Agron J 91:312–316
Girardin P, Tollenaar M, Deltour A, Muldoon J (1987) Temporary N starvation in maize (Zea mays L.): effects on development, dry matter accumulation and grain yield. Agron J 7:289–296
Costa C, Dwyer LM, Stewart DW, Smith DL (2002) Nitrogen effects on grain yield and yield components of leafy and non leafy maize genotypes. Crop Sci 42:1556–1563
Kenndy AC, Smith JK (1995) Soil microbial diversity and sustainability of agricultural soil. J Plant Soil 170:75–86
Voltas J, Pomagsa I, Araus JL (1997) Grain size and nitrogen accumulation in sink-reduction barley under mediterranean conditions. Field Crops Res 52:117–126
Louis D, Prioul J, Dugue M (1992) Source–sink manipulation and carbohydrate metabolism in maize. Crop Sci 32:751–756
Naderi A, Majidi Harvan A, Hashemi Dezfooli A, Nourmohammadi Gh, Rezaee A.A (2000) Genetic variety of spring wheat genotypes in terms of grain yield and its related traits. Abstract. Storage of dry matter in grain in desired conditions and drought stress after pollination. 6th congress on crop science and breeding plants. Babolsar, Iran
Hanway JJ (1992) How a corn plant develops? Iowa Iowa state university of science and technology. Cooperative extension service. Ames, IA, 48
Imam Y, Tadayon M.R (1997) The effect of plant shadow in structure on the yield and yield components and physiological and morphological characteristics of maize. 5th Congress on crop science and breeding plants. Karaj, Iran
Edmeads GO, Lafitte HR (1993) Defoliation and density effects on maize selected for reduced plantheight. Agron J 85:850–857
Cirovic M, Jocic B (1992) Effects of assimilation area reduction on productivity in maize. Agriculture 94:10–15
Jones RJ, Simmons SR (1983) Effect of altered source-sink ratio on growth of maize kernels. Crop Sci 23:129–134
Jones RJ, Schreiber BMN, Rossler JA (1996) Kernel sink capacity in maize: genotype and maternal regulation. Crop Sci 36:301–306
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Modhej, A., Lack, S. & Sorkhi, F.K.G. Effect of Nitrogen and Defoliation on Assimilate Redistribution and Grain Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Subtropical Conditions. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. 84, 765–770 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-014-0315-x
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-014-0315-x