Studies on Dry Matter Production in Corn Plant : I. Seed weight as a factor in the early vegetative growth

Abstract

The role of seed size playing in the early growth of corn seedlings was studied in relation to the sub-sequent dry matter production by the spaced plant experiment. Thirty-five varieties were used to investigate varietal difference and in three varieties of them, seeds were classified to five groups according to the weight. Measurements were made of: (1) Maximum weight of young seedlings cultivated in dark incubator. (2) Effect of seed size on early seedling growth under field condition. The results obtained are as follows : 1. Heavy seeds formed heavier young seedlings and leaves expanded in proportion to weight of seedlings in dark. Heavy seeds required more days to attain the maximum seedling weight. 2. Also under field condition, seedlings from heavy seeds grew better than those from light seeds, until, at least 40 days after sowing. 3. Above results suggest that, the heavier the seed, the greater the initial photosynthetic area elaborated, and hence the greater the absolute dry weight increase during the early part of the vegetative phase.