Senescence in sweet corn as influenced by phosphorous nutrition¹

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Abstract

Nutrient availability can affect the onset of senescence. Phosphate‐phosphorus (P) was added at the recommended and five times the recommended level to a Bernow fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Glossic Paleudalf soil at Lane, OK. Senescence in stalk and shank internodes and cobs was rated in shrunken‐2 sweet corn (Zea mays L.) cultivars at various developmental stages. Plant dry weight was determined at fresh market harvest. Stalk internode senescence rating increased through harvest. The internode subtending the ear node was almost completely senescent at anthesis. There were statistical, but likely not biologically important, differences in stalk internode senescence between cultivars. Increased P occasionally increased stalk internode senescence rating and reduced plant dry weight. Increased P either decreased, or had no effect on, shank internode or cob senescence.

Notes

Mention of a trademark, vendor, or proprietary product does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the USDA and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may also be suitable.