What are the effects of tassel removal on the maturity and yield of maize? Are there any other parameters which are effected. Please attach any publications if available.
Several studies have been made for detasseling effects in maize, especially for the hybrid seed industry that is based in crossing maize inbred lines under commercial conditions with machines developed for tassel removal. In general terms the most affected characteristic is grain yield. Since tassel development and pollen production has a metabolic cost, detasseling tends to increase yield (tassel removal before flowering). However under commercial conditions detasseling usually includes extraction of tassel and top leaves of maize plants, in this case grain yield tend to be lower than those obtained from unaffected plants.
Besides the metabolic cost mentioned by Jesus, detasseling may have an effect on yield increase due to an increase in the photosynthetic rate of unshaded leaves. Provided that damage to leaves during detasseling is minimized.
I am attaching some papers on the subject.
Regards.
I need more references for maize detassling with respect to time and intensity of tassel removal and their effects on productivity.
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