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Combating Dual Challenges in Maize Under High Planting Density: Stem Lodging and Kernel Abortion
Adnan Noor Shah1, Mohsin Tanveer2, Asad Abbas3
1School of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|December 6, 2021
Summary
High plant density increases maize yield but risks stem lodging and kernel abortion. Focusing on sugar metabolism and partitioning offers a promising strategy to improve maize lodging resistance and kernel development for better productivity.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Physiology
- Genetics
Background:
- High plant density is crucial for increasing maize production, especially in areas with limited agricultural land.
- However, high density planting intensifies risks of stem lodging and kernel abortion, significantly impacting maize yield.
- These issues stem from an imbalanced biomass allocation between stem development and ear formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review morphophysiological and genetic traits in maize that mitigate stem lodging and kernel abortion.
- To emphasize the role of carbohydrate metabolism and partitioning in addressing these challenges.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of management strategies for improving maize productivity under high density conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on maize physiology, genetics, and agronomy.
- Analysis of studies related to carbohydrate metabolism, sugar partitioning, and their impact on stem lodging and kernel abortion.
- Synthesis of information on genetic and management approaches for enhancing maize resilience.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation exists between stem lodging resistance and kernel abortion rates in maize.
- Carbohydrate metabolism and sugar partitioning are critical factors influencing both lodging resistance and kernel development.
- Previous research often focused on lignin and cellulose, but sugar metabolism offers a more promising avenue for improvement.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and manipulating sugar metabolism and partitioning in maize can significantly enhance lodging resistance and reduce kernel abortion.
- Genotypic selection, alongside physiological and management strategies (including plant growth regulators and nutrient application), is key to optimizing maize productivity.
- Integrating knowledge of carbohydrate dynamics provides a novel approach to overcoming yield constraints in high-density maize cultivation.
