Author
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Russo, Vincent |
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Submitted to: Cereal Research Communications
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 11/30/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Irrigation regimes were used to modify plant growth responses. Specifically how concentrations of ions and concentration and distribution of proteins was related to senescence in internodes in seven sweet corn inbreds (the source of hybrid seed) was studied as the plants matured. More frequent irrigation increased days to silking and SD for some inbreds. Senecence rating increased with plant age, was not affected by available water, but varied with inbred. As concentrations of total Mn, Mg+2, K+, SO42-, and protein decreased the degree of senescence in internodes increased. The amount of water applied appeared to affect number of proteins, and protein masses. Development of the sweet corn inbreds, including days to silking and seed harvest, was affected by the amount of available water. Technical Abstract: The amount of available water can affect visible and non-visible plant responses. Three irrigation regimes in 1995 and 1996 supplemented precipitation to six shrunken2 sweet corn (Zea mays L.) inbreds, and one each of a sugary and a sugary enhancer inbred. More instances of irrigation were needed in 1995 than 1996 due to reduced precipitation. Days to silking and seed harvest (SD) were determined. Senescence patterns in internode pith of stalks were rated, and concentrations of ions and proteins, and protein profiles in SDS-PAGE gels, in from mid-vegetative stage (V9) to SD determined in internodes. Senescence ratings in shanks and cobs were determined at silk senescence and SD. More frequent irrigation increased days to silking and SD for some inbreds. Senecence rating increased with plant age, was not affected by available water, but varied with inbred. Concentrations of protein, total Mn, Mg+2, K+ and SO42- were negatively correlated with senescence rating. Numbers of proteins in gels fluctuated with amount of available water. There were fewer proteins present in 1995 than 1996. Low protein masses were about 24 kD in both years and did not fluctuate with plant age. High protein masses were affected by available water. Water availability appeared to initiate physiological activity in plants which affected numbers and masses of proteins. |
