Yield determinants, root distribution and soil water uptake in maize (Zea mays) hybrids differing in canopy senescence under post-silking drought
M. Antonietta
A * , M. L. Maydup A , M. G. Cano A , D. D. Fanello A , H. A. Acciaresi B C and J. J. Guiamet A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Instituto de Fisiología Vegetal (INFIVE), Universidad Nacional de La Plata – CONICET, cc 327, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
B Cátedra de Cerealicultura, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, cc 31, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
C Present address: EEA Pergamino, INTA, Av. Frondizi (Ruta 32) Km 4.5, 2700 Pergamino, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Functional Plant Biology 48(11) 1124-1138 https://doi.org/10.1071/FP21138
Submitted: 1 May 2021 Accepted: 25 July 2021 Published: 30 September 2021
© 2021 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
Delayed canopy senescence or ‘stay-green’ (SG) trait in maize (Zea mays L.) could improve drought tolerance. Two field trials comparing four to six maize hybrids with different senescence rate were carried out at Buenos Aires, Argentina, varying water availability during the reproductive period. Green leaf area at maturity was related to kernel weight (r2 = 0.94***) but its relationship with yield was weaker (r2 = 0.51–53*) and post-silking dry matter remobilisation was negatively related with the SG trait (r2 = 0.84**). Two additional experiments were carried out in 63 L pots by withholding irrigation in half of the pots after silking. The SG hybrid achieved lower root biomass at silking, a shallower root distribution and larger root growth in the post-silking period. Under drought conditions, stomatal conductance was lower in the SG hybrid but photosynthetic electron transport rate was higher. Higher post-silking dry matter assimilation in the SG hybrid was compensated for by higher dry matter remobilisation in the non-SG. Higher kernel number per plant in the non-SG hybrid with no ability to compensate for by higher kernel weight in the SG, resulted in slightly higher yields in the non-SG under drought. A water conservation strategy associated with a shallower root system could be linked to the SG trait, promoting faster water depletion at upper soil levels and reduced stomatal conductance at the leaf level but with no conclusive yield advantage.
Keywords: assimilation, photosynthesis, remobilisation, root biomass, stay-green, stomatal conductance, water uptake, Zea mays.
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