Evaluation of nine corn (Zea mays L.) genotypes in relation to leaf area and light extinction coefficient

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate nine corn genotypes (Arichuna, Baraure, B raquitico, Expe-rimental-2, Foremaiz PB, FM-6, Obregón, Proseca-71 and Tocorón) in relation to: mean leaf area per plant, total leaf area per plant (TLA), leaf area index (LAI), grain yield (Y) and light extinction coefficient (K) at 0.50m, 1.00m, 1.50m, 2.00m and 2.50m of plant height (from soil to flag leaf). Also, correlation and single regression between LAI and yield was performed. Significant genotypical differences for all variables were found, except for mean leaf area per plant Ranging was: mean leaf area per plant (471 cm² for Foremaiz PB and 606 cm² for Baraure); TLA (5,327 cm² for Foremaiz PB and 8,411 for Braquítico); LAI (4.26, Foremaiz PB and 6.67, Braquítico); K (0.23 for Braquítico and 0.42, Arichuna); Y (2, 877, Braquítico and 4,784 kg.ha-1 for Tocoron).The relationship between Y and LAI was not significant (r = 0.07). The relationship of LAI and K was described very well by Beer's law.