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Relationship of the Kernel Sink for N to Maize Productivity¹

This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of zein content with yield potential of maize (Zea mays L.). Maize cultlvars were grown under different rates of N (0 to 201 kg/ha) with and without nitrapyrin (0.55 kg/ha) added to correlate protein content, kernel weight, and grain yield. Carbon-14 dioxide was applied to maize hybrid, Pioneer 3369A, to determine the effect of N on sucrose translocation into kernels. The results indicate that zein and glutelins combined may serve as a functional N sink in the kernel to affect starch accumulation, kernel weight, and yield; however, zein may be more effective because its synthesis can be manipulated readily by N fertilization and genetic means. A positive correlation between zein content, kernel weight, and grain yield was consistently observed. The quantities of zein produced vary according to the amounts of N fertilizer applied. The increase in zein with higher rates of N fertilization (up to 201 kg/ha) did not decrease the nutritional quality of seed protein because increases in germ size and a slight increase in non-zein protein in the endosperm occurred concurrently. Based on this data, the selection of maize hybrids which are capable of producing maximum amounts of zein with additional available N should provide a means of increasing kernel weight and grain yield through the greater N sink potential of these hybrids.

Key Words: Zea mays L. • Corn • Zein • Glutelin • Yield • Protein • Nutrition • N fertilizer • Nitrification inhibition

² Associate professors of botany and plant pathology, and plant pathologist, SEA, USDA, respectively, Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN 47907.

Received for publication September 12, 1977.

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