MADISON, WI, Sept. 18, 2007 -- Recently, researchers at Iowa State University discovered a way to increase the accuracy of a popular crop model. By zeroing in on early stages leading up to kernel formation, scientists believe they can help improve yield predictions across a variety of environmental conditions. The team of scientists reported their findings in the September-October issue of Crop Science.
The Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CERES)- Maize model is used worldwide to predict maize yield each growing season. CERES-Maize predictions are based upon simulations of plant growth and the amount of carbon and nitrogen maize plants accumulate each day. While this approach provides growers with ballpark estimates of maize production, the accuracy decreases when growing conditions affect kernel formation more than plant growth.
Unlike most crop plants, maize has separate male and female flowers. Pollen from male flowers must travel to and fertilize female flowers located on ear. Each successful fertilization of a female flower leads to the production of a kernel.
Pollination success depends on the amount of viable pollen produced, the presence of the pollen receptive part of the female flower, and close synchrony in male and female flower development, says Mark Westgate, Iowa State University professor of agronomy. CERES-Maize does not consider these critical aspects of the pollination process.
To overcome the limitations of CERES-Maize, Westgate and his colleagues developed algorithms for a Flowering Model to simulate maize flowering dynamics. Once they were convinced the Flowering Model was properly imitating maize flowering patterns, they coupled it to CERES-Maize. The Modified version of CERES-Maize then was calibrated against two years of field data involving three hybrids, eight population densities, and seven nitrogen levels. The Modified version of CERES-Maize generated more accurate predictions of maize yield a
'/>"/>
| Contact: Sara Uttech suttech@crops.org 608-268-4948 American Society of Agronomy Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Researchers discover key gene involved in bark beetle pheromone production
2. First production of human monoclonal antibodies in chicken eggs published in Nature Biotechnology
3. Mass production of human papillomavirus could lead to gains against cervical cancer
4. UW scientists report a new method to speed bird flu vaccine production
5. New cell transplantation technique restores insulin production in diabetics
6. New molecule may aid in production of biofuels and fungi-resistant plants
7. Getting an evolutionary handle on life after reproduction
8. Olfactory system detects pheromones that control reproduction
9. The brain is broadly wired for reproduction
10. Sexual reproduction delays aging in a mammalian species
11. Sustainable farm practices improve Third World food production
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |