Accounting for Increases in the Harvest Index of Sweet Corn following Early Leaf Clipping1

Abstract

Increases in the harvest index of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) following clipping of early leaves were found to be the result of a reduction in plant stover, and not an increase in ear fresh weight. All stover components were reduced, but tillers were most affected. Early clipping reduced leaf area, but had no effect on percent stalk-stored soluble solids. Examination of stem apices following clipping suggested that the greater reduction in stover compared to ears was due to a longer interruption in vegetative growth than in reproductive development.