Root architecture and field characteristics in maize seedlings of flint and dent type adapted to polish climate

摘要

Total root length, maximum root depth and the fraction of roots grown in upper (10 cm) soil layer were analysed in 3-rd leaf stage seedlings of five flint and seven dent maize inbred lines grown in the growth chamber. The results show that seedling roots in flint type inbreds grew mostly in upper soil layer, while roots in dent type ones reached also deeper layer of the soil. Field observations show stronger early vigour, lower heat units and higher susceptibility to root lodging of flint genotypes as compared to dent ones. The correlation between juvenile root characteristics and field data are discussed in terms of maize adaptation to cold environment.