Nitrogen Status of Pollen Donor Affects Kernel Set and Yield Components in Corn

ABSTRACT

Nitrogen (N) status of corn plants influences yield performance through adjustment of yield components. Physiological function of corn pollen produced under N-stressed conditions has not drawn enough attention in genotype selection and breeding programs. The object of this study was to assess effects of N nutrition of the pollen donor on kernel set and yield components of the pollen recipient in a field trial by using a restricted pollination procedure. Pollen from plants receiving 0 and 240 kg N ha⁻¹ was manually applied to plants receiving 0, 80, 160, and 240 kg N ha^{− 1} during silk emergence. The high rate of N fertilizer applied to the pollen donor significantly increased kernel number, kernel weight, harvest index, and aboveground biomass in the pollen recipient. The effect of N nutrition of the pollen donor was similar at all N levels that were applied to the pollen recipient so the interaction was not significant for any of the variables.

Keywords::

• corn
• pollen
• nitrogen
• kernel set
• yield components

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was conducted at Agassiz Research Station, Agriculture Canada (newly named the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre) when Dr. Jun Zhang worked as a visiting scientist in this center. Supports from the People's Government of Shandong Province, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are most appreciated.