The adverse effect of moisture stress at flowering and maturation stages on corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield is well documented. Stress at vegetative stages, on the other hand, affects dry matter more than grain yield but is also reported to condition the corn plant to withstand later stress. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine if moisture stress at vegetative stages could condition the corn crop to minimize the effect of stress at reproductive stages, and (2) to document the effect of this vegetative stress on corn root growth, water use and yield. Secondary root initiation was reduced by moisture stress at the 4 and 7 leaf stages. Moisture stress during vegetative stages reduced water use and stover weight but not grain yield. However, stress at silking reduced grain yield. Stress at vegetative stages did not precondition the corn to endure water deficit later in the season.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/277280 |
| Date | January 1990 |
| Creators | Jama, Ahmed Omar, 1955- |
| Contributors | Ottman, Michael J. |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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