Reduction in seed set upon exposure to high night temperature during flowering in maize.

High temperature reduces crop production; however, little is known about the effects of high night temperature (HNT) on the development of male and female reproductive organs, pollination, kernel formation and grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.). Therefore, a temperature-controlled experiment was carried out using heat-sensitive maize hybrid and including three temperature treatments of 32/22°C (day/night; control), 32/26°C and 32/30°C during 14 consecutive days encompassing the flowering stage.

Timing of Water Deficit Limits Maize Kernel Setting in Association With Changes in the Source-Flow-Sink Relationship.

The kernel setting of maize varies greatly because of the timing and intensity of water deficits. This variation can limit leaf productivity (source), the translocation of assimilated sugars (flow), and yield formation (sink). To explain the decline in kernel setting of maize under water deficits from the perspective of source-flow-sink, a 3-year experiment was conducted under a rain shelter.