Leaf Development and Growth in Maize Hybrids Differing in Drought Tolerance.

Leaf area is important for crop light interception and therefore has a large influence on crop yield. In the Texas High Plains, as a major irrigated crop, maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid selection has potential to increase yield under drought conditions. However, little information is known on the dynamics of leaf development and growth in different hybrids under water-limited conditions. A field study was conducted in 2016 and 2017 in three commercial maize hybrids (33D53AM, P1151AM and N75H) and one experimental hybrid (ExpHB) under two water regimes (I₁₀₀ and I₇₅, referring to 100 and 75% evapotranspiration requirement), to compare the dynamics of leaf development and grain yields. Measurements included leaf appearance rate, phyllochron, single leaf area, leaf area index (LAI), soil water content, yield and yield components.