Moisture Effects on the Morphology of Ears, Cobs and Kernels of a South-western U.S. Maize (Zea maysL.) Cultivar, and Implications for the Interpretation of Archaeological Maize

Genetic and agronomic assessment of cob traits in corn under low and normal nitrogen management conditions

“…Common procedures in archeology or for inbred line patenting follow, measuring at mid-cob (Adams 1999;Bohning 2000;Vattikonda 2000). In the past, cob volume traits such as cob length and diameter were measured using yard sticks or caliper.…”

Factors Controlling Pre-Columbian and Early Historic Maize Productivity in the American Southwest, Part 1: The Southern Colorado Plateau and Rio Grande Regions

“…Maize was often planted in pumice deposits which absorb and hold moisture and which also act as mulch, slowing evaporation and keeping the deeper soil cooler. (Adams et al 1999) and Turkey (Mengü and Özgürel 2008) Excepting large shrubs, only the bases of small plants are hoed by the Hopi when preparing a field, thus leaving the rest of the bare soil undisturbed. This renders the surface soil less subject to erosion (Prevost et al 1984) and also conserves soil moisture (Ford 1985).…”

Prosperity, power, and change: Modeling maize at Postclassic Xaltocan, Mexico

“…Indeed, ecological factors such as available groundwater, precipitation, temperature, soil quality, topography, harvest time, and elevation can affect maize morphology and productivity at sub-racial levels (Adams et al, 1999;Goodman and Paterniani, 1969;King, 1994;Sánchez González et al, 1993). In the chinampa zone of the southern Basin of Mexico, an area that gave more annual maize tribute than any other (see above), year-round cultivation was possible, and relatively early-maturing varieties of maize can be grown compared to nearby temporal lands (Sanders, 1957).…”

“…Variability can be examined by considering cob morphological differences of maize remains from each phase. As discussed above, the morphology of maize is the product of genetic, environmental, and other developmental factors (Adams et al, 1999;Benz, 1994b;Goodman and Paterniani, 1969;King, 1994;Sánchez González et al, 1993;Turkon, 2006). Indeed, researchers have studied maize at the morphological level to ascertain the possible races of maize present in archaeobotanical assemblages as well as the production of maize in distinctive ecological contexts (Benz, 1994b;Benz and Iltis, 1990;Bird, 1994;Bird and Bird, 1980;Doebley and Bohrer, 1983;Johannessen et al, 1990;King, 1994;Miksicek et al, 1981;Huckell, 2006;Turkon, 2006;Villa Kamel et al, 2003).…”

“…Researchers continue to study the particular attributes useful for documenting the racial and ecological influences on maize morphology (e.g., Adams et al, 1999;Benz, 1994b;Bird, 1994;Goodman and Paterniani, 1969;Sánchez González et al, 1993;Johannessen et al, 1990;King, 1994;Turkon, 2006). Maize row number is considered a useful measure of racial affiliation as row number is established early during the plant's reproductive development and is, therefore, less affected by ecological conditions (Adams et al, 1999, p. 489).…”