Effect of light intensity, temperature and daylength on the rate of leaf appearance of maize.

Abstract

Periodic sowings of maize cv. C.I.V. 2 were made between 1 Feb. and 25 Nov. in glasshouses controlled at 16 or 25 deg C with light intensity about 75% of natural radiation. Some plants were grown in natural daylength, others in 17-h photoperiods. RGR was considerably affected by light intensity and temperature; at 16 deg C it was only about half that at 25 deg C. Rate of leaf appearance was higher at 25 deg C, and rate of development at 25 deg C was double that at 16 deg C. Plants produced 14.2 leaves in long days and 12.8 leaves in short days. Graphs are given showing the effect of light intensity on NAR and rate of development up to tassel emergence. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)