Abstract
Kernels located near the apex of the ear of corn (Zea mays L.) are smaller and more likely to abort than basal kernels. Studies were conducted to evaluate the importance of time of pollination and rate of sucrose uptake in determining differences in mature kernel weight between apical and basal kernels. Simultaneous pollination of all florets in an ear did not reduce the difference in mature dry weight between apical and basal kernels or the incidences of sterility and abortion. The ability of developing apical and basal kernels to take up sucrose was evaluated by immersing the bases of detached kernels in 50 mM 14C-sucrose and measuring the incorporated radioactivity by liquid scintillation counting. Sucrose uptake increased during development, especially at the beginning of the linear phase of grain filling. Differences in sucrose uptake rate were insufficient to explain the differences between apical and basal kernels in dry weight.Key words: Carbohydrate, partitioning, corn, sucrose transport, seed development, Zea mays L.
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