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Search Results (307)

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Keywords = maize cultivar

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20 pages, 8487 KiB  
Article
Precise Identification and Analysis of Maize Germplasm Resistance to Ear Rot Caused by Six Fusarium Species
by Shuai Li, Lihong Zhu, Yongxiang Li, Yaxuan Guo, Yuhang Zhang, Chaosong Huang, Wenqi Wu, Suli Sun, Zixiang Cheng and Canxing Duan
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2280; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152280 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Maize (Zea may L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide, but ear rot poses a significant threat to its production. Diverse pathogens cause ear rot in China, with Fusarium spp. being predominant, especially Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides. Current [...] Read more.
Maize (Zea may L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide, but ear rot poses a significant threat to its production. Diverse pathogens cause ear rot in China, with Fusarium spp. being predominant, especially Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides. Current methods for the control of ear rot are limited, making the use of resistant germplasm resources an effective and economical management strategy. Earlier research focused on resistance to Fusarium ear rot (FER; caused by F. verticillioides) and Gibberella ear rot (GER; caused by F. graminearum), but assessing maize resistance to multiple major Fusarium spp. is critical in ensuring maize production. Thus, the resistance of 343 maize germplasm resources to ear rot caused by six Fusarium spp. (F. verticillioides, F. graminearum, F. proliferatum, F. meridionale, F. subglutinans, and F. temperatum) was evaluated in this study. Over three years, 69 and 77 lines resistant to six and five ear rot diseases, respectively, and 139 lines resistant to both FER and GER were identified. Moreover, the 343 germplasm resources were divided into eight heterotic groups, of which PH4CV was the most resistant one, whereas NSS and Pioneer Female were the least resistant ones. These findings provide a basis for the development of maize cultivars with broad-spectrum ear rot resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identification of Resistance of Maize Germplasm Resources to Disease)
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20 pages, 3467 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity and Construction of Salt-Tolerant Core Germplasm in Maize (Zea mays L.) Based on Phenotypic Traits and SNP Markers
by Yongfeng Song, Jiahao Wang, Yingwen Ma, Jiaxin Wang, Liangliang Bao, Dequan Sun, Hong Lin, Jinsheng Fan, Yu Zhou, Xing Zeng, Zhenhua Wang, Lin Zhang, Chunxiang Li and Hong Di
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142182 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 272
Abstract
Maize is an essential staple food, and its genetic diversity plays a central role in breeding programs aimed at developing climate-adapted cultivars. Constructing a representative core germplasm set is necessary for the efficient conservation and utilization of maize genetic resources. In this study, [...] Read more.
Maize is an essential staple food, and its genetic diversity plays a central role in breeding programs aimed at developing climate-adapted cultivars. Constructing a representative core germplasm set is necessary for the efficient conservation and utilization of maize genetic resources. In this study, we analyzed 588 cultivated maize accessions using agronomic traits such as plant morphology and yield traits such as ear characteristics and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to assess molecular diversity and population structure and to construct a core collection. Nineteen phenotypic traits were evaluated, revealing high genetic diversity and significant correlations among most quantitative traits. The optimal sampling strategy was identified as “Mahalanobis distance + 20% + deviation sampling + flexible method.” Whole-genome genotyping was conducted using the Maize6H-60K liquid phase chip. Population structure analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis divided the 588 accessions into six subgroups. A core collection of 172 accessions was selected based on both phenotypic and genotypic data. These were further evaluated for salt–alkali tolerance during germination, and cluster analysis classified them into five groups. Sixty-five accessions demonstrated salt–alkali tolerance, including 18 with high resistance. This core collection serves as a valuable foundation for germplasm conservation and utilization strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Landraces: Conservation, Characterization and Exploitation)
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18 pages, 1069 KiB  
Article
Performance of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), over Three Generations on Four Maize Cultivars
by Bo Zhang, Jing Yi, Yan Yan, Yirui Wang, Yana Xue, Haiwang Yan, Meifeng Ren, Daqi Li, Guoping Li and Junjiao Lu
Insects 2025, 16(7), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070719 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 563
Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a highly destructive pest that poses serious threats and causes significant losses to the production of maize in China. This study evaluated the feeding and oviposition preferences of S. frugiperda when reared on four [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a highly destructive pest that poses serious threats and causes significant losses to the production of maize in China. This study evaluated the feeding and oviposition preferences of S. frugiperda when reared on four maize cultivars—sweet, waxy, common, and silage—across three consecutive generations. It also compared population adaptability among these cultivars and analyzed population parameters between the F1 and F3 generations. The findings revealed that all four F1 generation populations showed a preference for feeding and oviposition on sweet maize. However, over time, S. frugiperda exhibited a stronger preference, in terms of feeding and oviposition behaviors, for the natal host plant across three consecutive generations of rearing. The fall armyworm completed its life cycle and oviposited on all four maize varieties over three generations. The sweet cultivar population had the highest intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, net reproductive rate, larval survival rate, pupation rate, eclosion rate, fecundity, and pupal weight, while the silage cultivar population had the shortest larval stage, pre-adult stage, and adult lifespan and the pupal weight and the fecundity were the lowest. Overall, the population fitness was the highest on the sweet cultivar, and the lowest on the silage cultivar. Compared with F1, the F3 generation of the FAW had a significantly shorter developmental duration in four maize cultivars. Except for the waxy maize cultivars, the fecundity of the other three cultivars did not differ significantly between F1 and F3. This study provides fundamental information on the trend of fall armyworm population changes in maize fields and serves as a reference for rational maize cultivar planting decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corn Insect Pests: From Biology to Control Technology)
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12 pages, 1825 KiB  
Article
Selecting Tolerant Maize Hybrids Using Factor Analytic Models and Environmental Covariates as Drought Stress Indicators
by Domagoj Stepinac, Ivan Pejić, Krešo Pandžić, Tanja Likso, Hrvoje Šarčević, Domagoj Šimić, Miroslav Bukan, Ivica Buhiniček, Antun Jambrović, Bojan Marković, Mirko Jukić and Jerko Gunjača
Genes 2025, 16(7), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16070754 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
Background/Objectives: A critical part of the maize life cycle takes place during the summer, and due to climate change, its growth and development are increasingly exposed to the irregular and unpredictable effects of drought stress. Developing and using new cultivars with increased [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: A critical part of the maize life cycle takes place during the summer, and due to climate change, its growth and development are increasingly exposed to the irregular and unpredictable effects of drought stress. Developing and using new cultivars with increased drought tolerance for farmers is the easiest and cheapest solution. One of the concepts to screen for drought tolerance is to expose germplasm to various growth scenarios (environments), expecting that random drought will occur in some of them. Methods: In the present study, thirty-two maize hybrids belonging to four FAO maturity groups were tested for grain yield at six locations over two consecutive years. In parallel, data of the basic meteorological elements such as air temperature, relative humidity and precipitation were collected and used to compute two indices, scPDSI (Self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index) and VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit), that were assessed as indicators of drought (water deficit) severity during the vegetation period. Practical implementation of these indices was carried out indirectly by first analyzing yield data using a factor analytic model to detect latent environmental variables affecting yield and then correlating those latent variables with drought indices. Results: The first latent variable, which explained 47.97% of the total variability, was correlated with VPD (r = −0.58); the second latent variable explained 9.57% of the total variability and was correlated with scPDSI (r = −0.74). Furthermore, latent regression coefficients (i.e., genotypic sensitivities to latent environmental variables) were correlated with genotypic drought tolerance. Conclusions: This could be considered an indication that there were two different acting mechanisms in which drought affected yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Breeding and Genetics of Plant Drought Resistance)
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18 pages, 4009 KiB  
Article
The Effects of the Application of Organic Manure in Combination with Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Physicochemical Properties of Waxy Maize Starch
by Fei Lou, Linxiao Liu, Wenxin Zhang, Pengtao Ji, Xiangling Li, Peijun Tao and Yuechen Zhang
Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071525 - 23 Jun 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
The application of organic manure is a crucial agronomic practice for enhancing crop quality. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of organic manure and nitrogen fertilizers on the physicochemical properties of waxy maize starch. A field experiment was conducted with two cultivars [...] Read more.
The application of organic manure is a crucial agronomic practice for enhancing crop quality. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of organic manure and nitrogen fertilizers on the physicochemical properties of waxy maize starch. A field experiment was conducted with two cultivars (JKN768 and SYN2) and six fertilization treatments: no nitrogen fertilizer application (T1); constant nitrogen fertilizer application (T2); and the replacement of 20% (T3), 40% (T4), 60% (T5), and 100% (T6) of nitrogen fertilizer with organic manure. The combined application of organic manure and nitrogen fertilizer improved the morphology and volume-weighted mean diameter of starch granules and reduced the relative crystallinity and enthalpy gelatinization of the starch. Compared with T2, the treatment in which 40% of the nitrogen fertilizer was replaced with organic manure (T4) significantly increased the volume-weighted mean diameter of starch granules in JKN768 and decreased it in SYN2, while it increased the content of rapidly digestible starch in JKN768 and SYN2 by 7.85% and 4.96%, respectively. Additionally, T4 decreased the relative crystallinity of starch in JKN768 and SYN2 by 7.12% and 3.72%, respectively, while it decreased the content of slowly digestible starch in JKN768 and SYN2 by 20% and 13.45%, respectively. The results of this study highlight that replacing 40% of nitrogen fertilizer with organic manure can significantly enhance the multi-scale structural characteristics of waxy maize starch, and they provide theoretical support for the improvement of waxy maize starch quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Biosystem and Biological Engineering)
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15 pages, 3297 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Leaf Water Potential of Maize Through Multi-Cultivar Dehydration Experiments and Segmentation Thresholding
by Shuanghui Zhao, Yanqun Zhang, Pancen Feng, Xinlong Hu, Yan Mo, Hao Li and Jiusheng Li
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(12), 2106; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17122106 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
Estimating leaf water potential (Ψleaf) is essential for understanding plant physiological processes’ response to drought. The estimation of Ψleaf based on different regression analysis methods with hyperspectral vegetation indices (VIs) has been proven to be a simple and efficient [...] Read more.
Estimating leaf water potential (Ψleaf) is essential for understanding plant physiological processes’ response to drought. The estimation of Ψleaf based on different regression analysis methods with hyperspectral vegetation indices (VIs) has been proven to be a simple and efficient technique. However, models constructed by existing methods and VIs still face challenges regarding the generalizability and limited ranges of field experiment datasets. In this study, leaf dehydration experiments of three maize cultivars were applied to provide a dataset covering a wide range of Ψleaf variations, which is often challenging to obtain in field trials. The analysis screened published VIs highly correlated with Ψleaf and constructed a model for Ψleaf estimation based on three algorithms—partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest (RF), and multiple linear stepwise regression (MLR)—for each cultivar and all three cultivars. Models were constructed using PLSR and MLR for each cultivar and PLSR, MLR, and RF for the samples from all three cultivars. The performance of the models developed for each cultivar was compared with the performance of the cross-cultivar model. Simultaneously, the normalized ratio (ND) and double-difference (DDn) were applied to determine the VIs and models. Finally, the relationship between the optimal VIs and Ψleaf was analyzed using discontinuous linear segmental fitting. The results showed that leaf spectral reflectance variations in the 350~700 nm bands and 1450~2500 nm bands were significantly sensitive to Ψleaf. The RF method achieved the highest prediction accuracy when all three cultivars’ data were used, with a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 9.02%. In contrast, there was little difference in the predictive effectiveness of the models constructed for each cultivar and all three cultivars. Moreover, the simple linear regression model built based on the DDn(2030,45) outperformed the RF method regarding prediction accuracy, with an NRMSE of 7.94%. Ψleaf at the breakpoint obtained by discontinuous linear segment fitting was about −1.20 MPa, consistent with the published range of the turgor loss point (ΨTLP). This study provides an effective methodology for Ψleaf monitoring with significant practical value, particularly in irrigation decision-making and drought prediction. Full article
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18 pages, 1718 KiB  
Article
Characteristic Functional Genera (CFG) Mediate Nitrogen Priming Effect in the Microbiome of Saline–Alkaline Farmland
by Yicong Li, Yao Xiao, Wei Zhao, Jiarui Kang, Kejun Yang and Jian Fu
Plants 2025, 14(12), 1806; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121806 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 519
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of nitrogen priming effect on the makeup of the maize rhizosphere microbial community structure in saline–alkali agriculture, focusing on characteristic functional genera. In 2020, three nitrogen levels of 60 kg·ha−1 (N1), 180 kg·ha−1 (N2), [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of nitrogen priming effect on the makeup of the maize rhizosphere microbial community structure in saline–alkali agriculture, focusing on characteristic functional genera. In 2020, three nitrogen levels of 60 kg·ha−1 (N1), 180 kg·ha−1 (N2), and 300 kg·ha−1 (N3), along with a control group, were established in the meadow saline–alkali soil farmland of Daqing in Heilongjiang Province. The maize cultivar was Xianyu 335. Rhizosphere soil was taken for nutritional analysis and high-throughput sequencing of the microbial population. The findings indicated that the bacterial community structure in the N1 and N2 treatment groups was comparable; however, the N3 treatment dramatically altered the community structure (p < 0.01). A notable disparity existed between the fungal nitrogen application group and the control group. Screening identified ten genera, including Lysobacter and Coniophora, as characteristic functional genera, with their habitats and functions dramatically altered during nitrogen priming effect. Nitrogen priming effect enhanced bacterial functionality for nitrogen source augmentation but diminished the capacity for nitrogen transformation, while also altering the nutritional preferences of fungus. Soil nitrogen and organic matter content showed distinct responses to different nitrogen application rates and exhibited significant interactions with the microbial community. The impacts of low, medium, and high nitrogen treatments on microbial and soil indicators varied, suggesting that effective nutrient management necessitates the regulation of microbial community function and accurate nitrogen administration. The research findings hold substantial importance and promotional potential for the sustainable advancement of saline–alkali agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)
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20 pages, 7197 KiB  
Article
Soil Phosphorus Content, Organic Matter, and Elevation Are Key Determinants of Maize Harvest Index in Arid Regions
by Zhen Huo, Hengbati Wutanbieke, Jian Chen, Dongdong Zhong, Yongyu Chen, Zhanli Song, Xinhua Lv and Hegan Dong
Agriculture 2025, 15(11), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15111207 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 462
Abstract
This study systematically investigates the mechanistic effects of multifactor interactions (including soil properties, climatic conditions, and cultivation practices) on the productivity parameters (grain yield, stover yield, dry biomass, harvest index) of maize cultivars of different maturity groups in the arid region of Xinjiang, [...] Read more.
This study systematically investigates the mechanistic effects of multifactor interactions (including soil properties, climatic conditions, and cultivation practices) on the productivity parameters (grain yield, stover yield, dry biomass, harvest index) of maize cultivars of different maturity groups in the arid region of Xinjiang, China. Twelve representative maize-growing counties were selected as study sites, where we collected maize samples to measure HI, grain yield, stover yield, and soil physicochemical properties (e.g., organic matter content, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus). Additionally, climate data (effective accumulated temperature) and agronomic parameters (planting density) were integrated to comprehensively analyze the interactive effects of multiple environmental factors on HI using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results demonstrated significant varietal differences in HI across maturity periods. Specifically, early-maturing cultivars showed the highest average HI (0.58), significantly exceeding those of medium-maturing (0.55) and late-maturing varieties (0.54). Environmental analysis further revealed that soil phosphorus content (both available and total phosphorus), elevation, and organic matter content significantly positively affected HI, whereas soil bulk density and electrical conductivity exhibited negative impacts. Notably, HI exhibited a strong negative correlation with stover yield (R2 = 0.49), but remained relatively stable across different dry matter (DM) and grain yield levels. Despite the strong positive correlation between DM and grain yield (R2 = 0.81), the relative stability of HI suggests that yield improvement requires balanced optimization of both DM and partitioning efficiency. This study provides crucial theoretical foundations for optimizing high-yield maize cultivation systems, regulating fertilizer application rates and their ratios, and improving the configuration of planting density in arid regions. These findings offer practical guidance for sustainable agricultural development in similar environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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20 pages, 1731 KiB  
Review
Resilience of Maize to Environmental Stress: Insights into Drought and Heat Tolerance
by Huaijun Tang, Lei Zhang, Xiaoqing Xie, Yejian Wang, Tianyu Wang and Cheng Liu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5274; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115274 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 812
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple cereal crop worldwide, but its productivity is significantly affected by extreme weather conditions such as drought and heat stress. Plant growth, physiological processes, and yield potential are all affected by these conditions; as such, resilient [...] Read more.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple cereal crop worldwide, but its productivity is significantly affected by extreme weather conditions such as drought and heat stress. Plant growth, physiological processes, and yield potential are all affected by these conditions; as such, resilient maize crops are required to tackle these abiotic challenges. With an emphasis on morphological, physiological, and biochemical reactions, this review paper investigates the processes that underlie resistance to certain environmental challenges. Features including deep root systems, osmotic adaptations, and antioxidant enzyme activity help maize withstand drought. Activation of drought- and heat-responsive genes, accumulation of osmoregulatory compounds, and changes in membrane fluidity are all components of abiotic stress tolerance. Likewise, improved transpiration efficiency, modified photosynthetic processes, and improved heat shock proteins are used to produce heat resistance. Enhancing resilience requires progress in breeding methods, genetic engineering, and agronomic techniques, such as the use of stress-tolerant cultivars, biotechnology interventions, and climate-smart agriculture tactics. A special focus was given to cutting edge technologies like CRISPER-Cas9-mediated recent advances in heat and drought resistance. This review sheds light on recent studies and potential avenues for enhancing resilience to harsh climatic conditions, guaranteeing food security in the face of climate change. Full article
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11 pages, 1072 KiB  
Article
Integrating Cytochrome P450-Mediated Herbicide Tolerance into Anthocyanin-Rich Maize Through Conventional Breeding
by Sergio Arias-Martínez, Luis Jesús Peña-Vázquez, Jose Manuel Oregel-Zamudio, José Andrés Barajas-Chávez, Ernesto Oregel-Zamudio and Jesús Rubén Torres-García
Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1308; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061308 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 487
Abstract
Meeting the rising demand for staple grains now requires cultivars that combine high yield, enhanced nutritional value, and strong chemical resilience. Blue-kernel landraces from central Mexico are rich in anthocyanins yet remain highly susceptible to post-emergence herbicides, whereas modern hybrids detoxify these compounds [...] Read more.
Meeting the rising demand for staple grains now requires cultivars that combine high yield, enhanced nutritional value, and strong chemical resilience. Blue-kernel landraces from central Mexico are rich in anthocyanins yet remain highly susceptible to post-emergence herbicides, whereas modern hybrids detoxify these compounds through cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. We crossed the anthocyanin-rich variety Polimaize with a CYP450-tolerant hybrid and evaluated the two parents and their F1 segregants (designated “White” and “Yellow”) under greenhouse applications of mesotrione (75 g a.i. ha−1), nicosulfuron (30 g a.i. ha−1), and their mixture. Across 160 plants, the hybrid retained 95% of control dry matter and showed ≤7% foliar injury under all treatments, whereas Polimaize lost 28% biomass and exhibited 36% injury after nicosulfuron. The Yellow class matched hybrid performance while maintaining a blue pericarp and a β-carotene-rich endosperm, demonstrating that nutritional and agronomic traits can be stacked. The White class displayed heterosis-driven compensatory growth, exceeding its untreated biomass by 60% with nicosulfuron and by 82% with the mixture despite transient bleaching. Chlorophyll and carotenoid fluorescence revealed rapid, zeaxanthin-linked photoprotection in all tolerant genotypes, consistent with accelerated CYP450-mediated detoxification. These findings show that broad-spectrum herbicide tolerance can be introgressed into pigment-rich germplasm through conventional breeding, providing a non-transgenic path to herbicide-ready, anthocyanin-rich maize. The strategy preserves local biodiversity while delivering cultivars suited to intensive, weed-competitive agriculture and offers a template for integrating metabolic resilience into other native crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Germplasm Improvement and Innovation)
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27 pages, 530 KiB  
Article
Physiological and Agronomic Responses of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Compost and PGPR Under Different Salinity Levels
by Ibrahim El-Akhdar, Nevien Elhawat, Mahmoud M. A. Shabana, Hesham M. Aboelsoud and Tarek Alshaal
Plants 2025, 14(10), 1539; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14101539 - 20 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 551
Abstract
Salinity stress severely limits maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, necessitating sustainable mitigation strategies to ensure food security in affected regions. This study investigates the efficacy of compost (5 and 10 t/ha) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; Azospirillum brasilense) in enhancing maize [...] Read more.
Salinity stress severely limits maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, necessitating sustainable mitigation strategies to ensure food security in affected regions. This study investigates the efficacy of compost (5 and 10 t/ha) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; Azospirillum brasilense) in enhancing maize productivity and soil health under salinity stress (ECe 3.5 and 6.3 dS/m) across three varieties (Single Cross 131, 132, and 178) in field experiments conducted in 2023 and 2024. Combined compost-10 + PGPR treatment significantly increased grain yield by up to 197% and straw yield by nearly 300% in Single Cross 178 under high salinity, surpassing single treatments. Nitrogen content in grains and straw rose by 157%, while proline, peroxidase activity, and chlorophyll content improved, indicating robust stress tolerance. Soil properties, including pH, ECe, sodium adsorption ratio, and exchangeable sodium percentage, were significantly ameliorated, with bulk density reduced and porosity increased. Soil organic matter and microbial populations (bacteria and fungi) were also enhanced. Single Cross 178 exhibited superior stress tolerance, highlighting varietal differences. These findings, supported by comparisons with the existing literature, underscore the synergistic role of compost and PGPR in improving nutrient uptake, antioxidant defenses, and soil structure. This study offers a sustainable strategy for maize cultivation in saline environments, with implications for global food security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions)
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16 pages, 1540 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Daily and Hourly Evapotranspiration and Transpiration Rate of Summer Maize with Contrast Canopy Size
by Gaoping Xu, Hui Tong, Rongxue Zhang, Xin Lu, Zhaoshun Yang, Yi Wang and Xuzhang Xue
Water 2025, 17(10), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17101521 - 18 May 2025
Viewed by 641
Abstract
A detailed characterization of evapotranspiration (ET) patterns is of paramount importance for optimizing irrigation scheduling and enhancing water-use efficiency in the North China Plain. To delve into this, a two-season study was conducted at the National Experimental Station for Precise Agriculture in Beijing. [...] Read more.
A detailed characterization of evapotranspiration (ET) patterns is of paramount importance for optimizing irrigation scheduling and enhancing water-use efficiency in the North China Plain. To delve into this, a two-season study was conducted at the National Experimental Station for Precise Agriculture in Beijing. Using 12 weighing lysimeters, the study compared two summer maize varieties with contrasting canopy sizes: Jingke 968 (JK), characterized by a large canopy, and CF 1002 (CF), with a small canopy. The comprehensive analysis yielded the following significant findings: (1) The daily average ET rates exhibited consistent trends across cultivars, yet with notable disparities in magnitude. JK consistently demonstrated higher water consumption throughout the growth seasons. In the first season, at the V13–R1 stage, the peak daily ET of JK and CF reached 5.91 mm/day and 5.52 mm/day, respectively. In the second season, during the R1–R3 stage, these values were 5.21 mm/day for JK and 5.22 mm/day for CF, highlighting the nuanced differences in water use between the varieties under varying growth conditions. (2) Regardless of canopy size, the hourly ET fluctuations across different growth stages followed similar temporal patterns. However, the most striking inter-varietal differences in ET emerged during the R1–R3 reproductive stages, when both cultivars had achieved peak canopy development (leaf area index, LAI > 4.5). Notably, the ET differences between JK and CF adhered to a characteristic diurnal “increase–decrease” pattern. These differences peaked during mid-morning (09:00–11:00) and early afternoon (13:00–15:00), while minimal divergence was observed at solar noon. This pattern suggests complex interactions between canopy structure, microclimate, and plant physiological processes that govern water loss over the course of a day. (3) Analysis of the pooled data pinpointed two critical time periods that significantly contributed to the cumulative ET differences between the varieties. The first period was from 12:00–17:00 during the R1–R3 (anthesis) stage, and the second was from 08:00–16:00 during the R3–R5 (grain filling) stage. JK maintained significantly higher transpiration rates (Tr) compared to CF, especially during the morning hours (09:00–12:00). On average, the Tr of JK exceeded that of CF by 5.3% during the pre-anthesis stage and by 16.0% during the post-anthesis stage. These observed Tr differentials strongly indicate that canopy architecture plays a pivotal role in modulating stomatal regulation patterns. Maize varieties with large canopies, such as JK, demonstrated enhanced morning photosynthetic activity, which likely contributed to increased transpiration. At the same time, both varieties seemed to employ similar midday water conservation strategies, possibly as an adaptive response to environmental stress. In summary, this study has comprehensively elucidated the intricate relationship between the leaf area index and the evapotranspiration of summer maize across multiple timescales, encompassing periodic, daily, and hourly variations. The findings provide invaluable data-driven insights that can underpin the development of precise and quantitative irrigation strategies, ultimately promoting sustainable and efficient maize production in the North China Plain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Scarcity)
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16 pages, 1647 KiB  
Article
Effects of Seed Fraction on Sowing Quality and Yield of Three-Line Hybrid Maize
by Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Rafał Sobieszczański, Karolina Ratajczak, Agnieszka Faligowska, Grażyna Szymańska, Jan Bocianowski, Anna Kolanoś and Rafał Pretkowski
Agriculture 2025, 15(9), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15090972 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 470
Abstract
Maize is one of the most productive cereal crops, and is increasingly being grown over large areas. Using the right cultivar of high-quality selected seeds for sowing can be crucial for its productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect [...] Read more.
Maize is one of the most productive cereal crops, and is increasingly being grown over large areas. Using the right cultivar of high-quality selected seeds for sowing can be crucial for its productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of kernel fraction on the seed quality, seed vigor, morphological traits, and seed yield of the trilinear hybrid maize cv. ‘Lokata’. The research factor was the kernel fraction, categorized based on the thousand-kernel weight (TKW) into four groups: I—small; II—medium; III–large; and IV–very large. A three-year experiment showed that increases in the TKW resulted in increases in germination and vigor up to fraction III (large seeds) in maize. Sowing maize seeds with a higher TKW resulted in plants with higher fresh and dry weights in the early stages of maize development; however, this response decreased as growth progressed. The seed yield was significantly correlated with plant height and the number of kernels per cob for all fractions sown, but the fraction did not significantly modify the seed yield of ‘Lokata’ maize. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Seed Science and Technology)
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14 pages, 846 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Biochemical Composition, Mineral Content, and Fatty Acid Profile in Maize (Zea mays) Cultivars Under Water Stress and Excessive Water Using Biplot Analysis
by Beyza Ciftci, Ihsan Serkan Varol, Engin Kaymaz, Sevgi Saylak and Mahmut Kaplan
Foods 2025, 14(8), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14081432 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 514
Abstract
Understanding the impact of irrigation levels on maize (Zea mays L.) nutritional properties is crucial for optimizing water use in sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the effects of three irrigation levels (I75: 75%, I100: 100%, and I125: 125% of depleted water from [...] Read more.
Understanding the impact of irrigation levels on maize (Zea mays L.) nutritional properties is crucial for optimizing water use in sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the effects of three irrigation levels (I75: 75%, I100: 100%, and I125: 125% of depleted water from field capacity) on the biochemical composition, mineral content, and fatty acid profile of five maize cultivars’ grain. Biplot analysis was employed to identify superior irrigation levels and cultivars regarding nutritional traits and to visually interpret their interrelationships. The findings indicate that increased irrigation enhances oil, protein, ash, total starch, amylopectin, resistant starch, and non-resistant starch while reducing dietary fiber, phytic acid, and amylose levels. Mineral contents generally increased with irrigation, except for sulfur, which declined, and potassium, which peaked at I100 before decreasing. The fatty acid composition was largely cultivar-dependent, with no significant effect from irrigation. Among the tested irrigation levels, I100 was the most optimal, providing the best nutritional quality and mineral composition balance across the maize cultivars. Pioneer PR31Y43 and Syngenta Dracma cultivars stood out under limited irrigation conditions (I75), Pioneer PR31G98 and Tareks OSSK644 cultivars under optimum irrigation conditions (I100), and Syngenta Inove and Tareks OSSK644 cultivars under over-irrigation conditions (I125). These results highlight the necessity of cultivar-specific irrigation strategies to maximize maize nutritional quality and resource efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)
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21 pages, 3690 KiB  
Article
In-Season Predictions Using Chlorophyll a Fluorescence for Selecting Agronomic Traits in Maize
by Andrija Brkić, Sonja Vila, Domagoj Šimić, Antun Jambrović, Zvonimir Zdunić, Miroslav Salaić, Josip Brkić, Mirna Volenik and Vlatko Galić
Plants 2025, 14(8), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14081216 - 15 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Traditional maize (Zea mays L.) breeding approaches use directly measured phenotypic performance to make decisions for the next generation of crosses. Indirect assessment of cultivar performance can be utilized using various methods such as genomic predictions and remote sensing. However, some secondary [...] Read more.
Traditional maize (Zea mays L.) breeding approaches use directly measured phenotypic performance to make decisions for the next generation of crosses. Indirect assessment of cultivar performance can be utilized using various methods such as genomic predictions and remote sensing. However, some secondary traits might expand the breeder’s ability to make informed decisions within a single season, facilitating an increase in breeding speed. We hypothesized that assessment of photosynthetic performance with chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) might be efficient for in-season predictions of yield and grain moisture. The experiment was set with 16 maize hybrids over three consecutive years (2017–2019). ChlF was measured on dark-adapted leaves in the morning during anthesis. Partial least squares models were fitted and the efficiency of indirect selection was assessed. The results showed variability in the traits used in this study. Genetic correlations among all traits were mainly very weak and negative. Heritability estimates for all traits were moderately high to high. The model with 10 latent variables showed a higher predictive ability for grain yield (GY) than other models. The efficiency of the indirect selection for GY using biophysical parameters was lower than direct selection efficiency, while the indirect selection efficiency for grain moisture using biophysical parameters was relatively high. The results of this study highlight the significance and applicability of the ChlF transients in maize breeding programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
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