Effects of agronomic traits and climatic factors on yield and yield stability of summer maize (Zea mays L) in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in China

Abstract

Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) is the summer maize variety with the widest planting area in Huang-Huai-Hai plain in the past 20 years. Understanding the agronomic characteristics of maize and its adaptability to climatic factors is of great significance for breeding maize varieties with high yield and stability. In this study, the experimental data of 33 experimental stations from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed to clarify the effects of different agronomic traits on yield and the correlation between agronomic traits, and to understand the effects of different climatic factors on summer maize yield and agronomic traits. The results showed that the average yield of ZD958 was 9.20 t ha-1, and the yield variation coefficient was 13.41%. There was a certainly negative correlation between high yield and high stability. Plant heights, ear heights, double ear rate, ear length, ear rows, line grain number, grain number per ear, ear diameter, cob diameter, and 1000 grains weight were significantly positive correlation with maize yield. Solar radiation before and after silking were significantly positive correlation with maize yield. Path analysis showed that changes in agronomic traits accounted for 54% of the yield variation, and changes in climate factors accounted for 26% of the yield variation. Our study showed that higher plant height, ear height, grain number per ear and 1000-grain weight, lower lodging rate, pour the discount rate and shorter bald tip long were the main reasons for high yield. Among the climatic factors, solar radiation and the lowest temperature have significant effects on the yield.

Assessment of yield performances for grain sorghum varieties by AMMI and GGE biplot analyses

“…(2018) presented significant positive correlations between yield, plant height, panicle length, and hundred grain weight in sorghum and soybeans, respectively. Similarly, it has been recorded that maize yield was notably positively correlated with some agronomic traits such as plant height, grain weight ( Ren et al., 2022 ). Positive correlations between target traits suggest the simultaneous increase or decrease of these traits ( Sulistyo et al., 2018 ).…”

Heat-Resistant Inbred Lines Coordinate the Heat Response Gene Expression Remarkably in Maize (Zea mays L.)

“…With the rise in average global temperatures, the adverse effects of HS have exacerbated the impact on the growth and productivity of maize. The yield and quality of maize has been continually reduced over the past decades [ 27 , 28 , 34 ]. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the molecular mechanism of maize in response to HS.…”

“…Zheng58 (Z58) is a highly esteemed elite inbred line used in maize breeding. It has been instrumental in the development of the maize hybrid ZD958, which is a popular summer maize variety that has been used in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain over the past 20 years due to its HS resistance and other agronomic characteristics [ 27 , 28 ]. In the present research, an improved version of the Z58 inbred line, named Zheng58D (Z58D), and a heat-sensitive inbred line (AF171) were selected to dissect the mechanism underlying HS resistance and to identify the key heat-modulated genes in maize.…”

Effects of different tillage and fertilizer on soil quality under wheat‐maize rotation in the North China Plain

“…A preceding investigation underscored a remarkable 270% increase in crop yields when associated with robust SQ, in contrast to those linked with poorer SQ (Nabiollahi et al, 2020). Furthermore, the enhancement of SQ through the application of both organic and inorganic fertilizers has been validated as a means to secure sustainable crop yields (Ren et al, 2022). Substituting synthetic nitrogen fertilization has exhibited a notable capacity to elevate crop yields by 3.28%–7.68%, further corroborating a significant positive correlation between the crop yields and SQ (Fan et al, 2021).…”