Rates of apparent photosynthesis, respiration and dry matter accumulation in maize canopies

Abstract

The rates of canopy apparent photosynthesis (PC) and canopy respiration (Rc) were studied during vegetation season in two erectophile and two planophile hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.) grown at two canopy densities [7.5 plants m-2 (HD) and 4.5 plants m-2 (LD)]. Large differences in PC, Rc, RC/PC, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation and grain yield were found among hybrids and plant densities. Variations in PC and RC were associated mainly with changes in LAI. There was also found change in PC per unit LAI with time. The average RC/PC was 28.9 % for all treatments throughout the vegetation season. PC and RC per unit dry matter were higher in LD than in HD and decreased throughout the measurement period. The HD stand had higher PC and yield in hybrids with erectophile foliage, whereas LD stand had higher PC after male tetrad and got higher yield in hybrids with planophile foliage. Only RC in hybrids of the two foliage types was higher under HD than under LD throughout the vegetation period.