A Review on Overcoming Dual Challenges for Maize Cropping under High Plant Density: Stalk Lodging and Kernel Abortion

Authors

Alam Sher, Department of Agronomy, Ghazi University, D.G. Khan, Pakistan.Follow
Javed Iqbal, Department of Agronomy, Ghazi University, D.G. Khan, Pakistan.Follow
Wajid Nazeer, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Ghazi University, D.G. Khan, Pakistan.Follow
Muhammad Mudassar Maqbool, Department of Agronomy, Ghazi University, D.G. Khan, Pakistan.Follow
Muhammad Nadeem, School of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.Follow
Sajid Faiz, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Haripur University, KPK, Peshawar, Pakistan.Follow
Shahbaz Khan, Department of Agronomy, Ghazi University, D.G. Khan, Pakistan.Follow

Abstract

Increased optimal plant density is necessary in ensuring future food security by increasing crop productivity. However, maintaining relatively high plant density has to overcome two challenges i.e. kernel abortion and stalk lodging. The response of maize to increased plant density and the effects of increased plant density on maize productivity were discussed in this research. Increased plant density induces increased plant height, causes low photosynthetic capacity, limits the carbohydrate supply and increases kernel abortion. Also, increased plant density incurs a high risk of stalk lodging due to increased ear height and diminished stem diameter associated with reduced vascular bundles that provide, mechanical force. This review proposes a potential capacity of sucrose storage in stalk for tackling kernel abortion and stalk lodging. The mechanisms of boosting stem sugar storage with more efficient unloading, transporting, and storage in internodes are discussed.

Article History

Received: May 04, 2021; Accepted: Aug 06, 2021; Published: March 24, 2022

Recommended Citation

Sher, A., Iqbal, J., Nazeer, W., Maqbool, M. M., Nadeem, M., Faiz, S., & Khan, S. (2022). A Review on Overcoming Dual Challenges for Maize Cropping under High Plant Density: Stalk Lodging and Kernel Abortion, Journal of Bioresource Management, 9 (1).