Component Plant Part Development in Maize as Affected by Hybrids and Population Density

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is used extensively as a silage crop. A relatively simple method is needed to evaluate hybrids for that purpose. Six maize hybrids, two each in early, midseason, and medium‐late maturity classes, were grown at four population densities over a 3‐year period. The hybrids were chosen on the basis of superior grain yield for their respective maturity class in previous tests. Populations were established at 34,600, 44,500, 54,300, and 64,200 plants per hectare. Data were obtained for each hybrid at each planting rate for grain and forage yield and on several other traits, including component plant: part ratios. The early hybrids tended to be lower in grain yield, total dry weight, weight per ear, moisture at harvest, ear height, plant height, and proportion of stalks but higher in proportion of ears than the later hybrids. Shelling percentage, proportion of leaves, and stalk diameter showed differences between hybrids but no trend among maturity groups. As population densities increased, total dry matter increased, whereas weight per ear, stalk diameter, and percent erect plants decreased. Plant and ear heights changed very little with changes in population density. Plants tended to become proportionately smaller as populations increased so that plant‐part ratios remained nearly the same. Barren plants were not included in the separation samples. Percent barren plants increased significantly with increased population density. High energy feeds are needed by high‐producing, lactating cows and cattle on finishing rations. Maize parts vary greatly in digestibility. In the absence of feeding trials, plant‐part separation data and total dry matter production may be the most useful indicators of the relative values of maize hybrids for silage.

Seasonal Dry-Weight Distribution of Single-Stalked and Multi-Tillered Corn Hybrids Grown at Three Population Densities in Southern Alberta

“…1). This pattern was also observed by Daynard et al (1969) and Haggar and Couper (1972 The whole plant yields obtained in this study are comparable to those obtained in Virginia (Genter and Camper 1973), Geor- (Phipps 1975). Compared to the greater, and cob and kernel dry weights results of Daynard et al (1969) 2).…”

Options for improving the yield and nutritive value of maize and grain legume residues for ruminants in East African farming systems

“…This is not surprising since there were environmental (site and year) differences (P<0.05) and HI is a function of TBY and GY (Table 4.2). This also suggested that improving TBY (GY and SY) without affecting HI could be possible through manipulation of plant D in selected G and E. HI has been shown to decrease with increased plant D, especially when plant D is above that required for maximum yield (DeLougherty and Crookston, 1979;Genter and Camper, 1973 Hence, it is clear that D in the 5-7 plants/m2 had important effects on SY in the present study.…”

Paletli ve Helezonik Karıştırıcılarda Yem Katkı Maddeleri Karışım Homojenliğinin Belirlenmesi

“…Bitki boyu: Tepe püskülü ile toprak yüzeyi aras ı nda kalan dikey uzunluk süt olum döneminde cm olarak ölçülerek (Genter ve Camper 1973, Anonim 1980, Emeklier 1985, Alt ı nba ş 1988, Yaprak büyüme oran ı (YABO): YABO = YS x KYAU x KYAG x 0.5 / DBKGS (gün)…”