Emergence of Inbred and Hybrid Corn Following Flooding1

Abstract

AbstractWhile it is commonly accepted that the Occurrence of excess soil water following planting adversely affects the establishment and early growth of corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings, the effect of flooding duration, soil temperature at time of flooding, and cultivar have not been determined. Such information would be useful to drainage system designers and corn breeders. The objective of this study was to determine whether pregermination flooding duration and soil temperature at time of flooding affect the emergence of selected inbred and hybrid corn cultivars. Five popular inbred [A632, B37, B73, H60, and Mo17] and five hybrid [(A635 ✕ A632)Mo17, B73 ✕ H60, (H95 ✕ H99) A632, (OH514 ✕ OH7B)H95, Mol7 ✕ B73] corn cultivars grown in Ohio were exposed immediately following planting to differing durations of flooding (0,48,96, and 144 h) at two temperatures (10 and 25 °C) in the laboratory and at cold (near freezing) and warm (approximately 25 °C) temperatures in a silty, clay, loam Typic Argiaquoll soil in the field. Seedlots were selected which possessed a germination percentage above 90. Laboratory and field results showed inbred cultivars to be more tolerant of flooding than hybrid cultivars. Flooding damage as measured by reduced emergence was noted in both inbred and hybrid cultivars after only 48 h flooding in both laboratory and field studies. The severity of flooding damage was enhanced for both cultivar groups when flooding temperature was increased from 10 to 25 °C.