There are many situations in which kernel number is not limited by the ability of the plant to supply carbon and nitrogen to the ear, Westgate said. By taking into account other factors influencing kernel number, CERES-maize is much more sensitive to biological factors that can affect yield.
Whats up next for Westgate and his research team? A model they are developing to predict pollen movement from one field to another. They're using it along with the Flowering Model to predict the genetic purity of harvested seed. According to Westgate, genetic purity is a concern in hybrid seed production as well as for corn grown for non-genetically modified markets.
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| Contact: Sara Uttech suttech@crops.org 608-268-4948 American Society of Agronomy Source:Eurekalert |