Effect of Different Defoliation Treatments on Yield and Yield Components in maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivar of S.C704

摘要

Plant leaves are major source of photosynthesis and obtain assimilates for growing parts. Effects of different levels of defoliation studied on maize's growth and yield. The study was conducted as completely randomized block design with 8 treatments in 4 replications. The treatments were: T 1= control (without leaf removal), T 2 = removing of ear leaf, T 3 = defoliating leaves on top of the ear, T 4 = defoliating leaves under the ear, T 5 = defoliating just two leaves under ear, T 6 = defoliating two leaves on top of ear, T 7 = defoliation whole leaves (complete defoliation) and T 8 = defoliating just tassel leaf. Effects of these treatments were evaluated on the major traits of yield components. Results showed that leaves defoliation had significantly effect on grain yield, rows number on cob, grains number on cob, grain dry weight and cob length (P<1%). Leaf defoliation intensity and leaf position affected total dry matter. Complete defoliation reduced severely grains on cob. While defoliation on top of ear and underneath leaves of ear caused to reduce grains on row. The maximum LAI belonged to control and the least amount was connected to T 4 . The results suggest that the top leaves should not defoliate, because this treatment has negative effect on the yield.