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.
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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.