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The influence of irrigation timing on corn root growth, water use, and yield

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.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/277280
Date January 1990
CreatorsJama, Ahmed Omar, 1955-
ContributorsOttman, Michael J.
PublisherThe University of Arizona.
Source SetsUniversity of Arizona
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic)
RightsCopyright © 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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