HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Kiniry, J. R. Articles by Iwig, W. C. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Kiniry, J. R. Articles by Iwig, W. C. Agricola Articles by Kiniry, J. R. Articles by Iwig, W. C.

The Photoperiod Sensitive Interval in Maize¹

In order to apply photoperiodic response functions developed in controlled environments to field grown maize (Zea mays L.), the timing of photoperiod sensitivity must be known. The timing of photoperiod sensitivity is also necessary for defining effective photoperiods for determining the effect of latitude and planting date on development of photoperiod- sensitive maize cultivars. The objective of this study was to determine the time when maize is sensitive to photoperiod. Two photoperiod sensitive cultivars of maize were grown in controlled environment chambers at the Duke Univ. Phytotron in photoperiods of 10, 12.5, 15, and 17.5 h. A third cultivar was grown in 12.5 and 17.5 h photoperiods. Plants were moved at different times between chambers having different photoperiods. Time from seedling emergence to tassel emergence was recorded. The length of this development interval was compared to the same interval for control plants that remained in a constant photoperiod for the entire time. The timing of photoperiod sensitivity was determined by knowing when the plants were moved and assessing which photoperiod affected them. Plants were insensitive to photoperiod immediately after seedling emergence. They remained insensitive until 4 to 8 days prior to the date of tassel initiation in short photoperiods. The insensitive, juvenile phase, therefore ended at least 4 days prior to tassel initiation in short photoperiods. The sensitivity continued until tassel initiation or shortly thereafter. The photoperiod affecting development in the field, considering the slow rate of change of photoperiod, is the value at the time of tassel initiation.

Key Words: Zea mays L. • Genotype • Maturity type

² Research agronomist and soil scientist, USDA-ARS, P. 0. Box 748, Temple, TX 76503, research associates, Dep. of Botany, Duke Univ., Durham, NC 27706, and mathematical statistician, USDA-SRS, P. 0. Box 748, Temple, TX 76503, respectively.

Received for publication October 4, 1982.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				X. Yin, P. C. Struik, J. Tang, C. Qi, and T. Liu Model analysis of flowering phenology in recombinant inbred lines of barley J. Exp. Bot., March 1, 2005; 56(413): 959 - 965. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. L. Nielsen, P. R. Thomison, G. A. Brown, A. L. Halter, J. Wells, and K. L. Wuethrich Delayed Planting Effects on Flowering and Grain Maturation of Dent Corn Agron. J., May 1, 2002; 94(3): 549 - 558. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. R. Adams, S. Pearson, and P. Hadley Improving quantitative flowering models through a better understanding of the phases of photoperiod sensitivity J. Exp. Bot., April 15, 2001; 52(357): 655 - 662. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]