Morpho-physiological bases for greater tolerance of modern maize hybrids to high plant densities

The release of maize hybrids tolerant to high plant densities has contributed to enhance the potential for grain yield in this crop in the second half of last century. This review aims to discuss morphological and physiological traits that favoured maize adaptation to dense stands. The selection by breeders mitigated maize protandrous nature, reducing tassel size and promoting a balanced development of male and female inflorescence. Barrenness was limited and the synchrony of anthesis and silking favoured. The modern hybrid compact ideotype, characterized by small plants, low leaf number and upright leaves, improved light quality inside the canopy, decreasing apical dominance of the tassel over the ears. The lower dry matter produced per plant decreased plant competition by neighbours, increased radiation use efficiency, supporting higher carbohydrate availability to match maize different sinks during grain filling. The more equilibrated source: sink ratio was instrumental to delay leaf senescence, keeping nutrient uptake at the end of the crop cycle and improving nitrogen efficiency usage. The development of hybrids with short plant stature and low ear insertion reduced lodging. The understanding of physiological basis underlying maize endurance to high densities allows breeders and plant physiologists to optimize plant arrangement in order to accomplish higher grain yields.

Zea mays; stress; population; grain yield