RESUMO
Delayed canopy senescence or 'stay-green' (SG) trait in maize (Zea mays L.) could improve drought tolerance. Two field trials comparing four to six maize hybrids with different senescence rate were carried out at Buenos Aires, Argentina, varying water availability during the reproductive period. Green leaf area at maturity was related to kernel weight (r2=0.94***) but its relationship with yield was weaker (r2=0.51-53*) and post-silking dry matter remobilisation was negatively related with the SG trait (r2=0.84**). Two additional experiments were carried out in 63 L pots by withholding irrigation in half of the pots after silking. The SG hybrid achieved lower root biomass at silking, a shallower root distribution and larger root growth in the post-silking period. Under drought conditions, stomatal conductance was lower in the SG hybrid but photosynthetic electron transport rate was higher. Higher post-silking dry matter assimilation in the SG hybrid was compensated for by higher dry matter remobilisation in the non-SG. Higher kernel number per plant in the non-SG hybrid with no ability to compensate for by higher kernel weight in the SG, resulted in slightly higher yields in the non-SG under drought. A water conservation strategy associated with a shallower root system could be linked to the SG trait, promoting faster water depletion at upper soil levels and reduced stomatal conductance at the leaf level but with no conclusive yield advantage.
Assuntos
Secas , Zea mays , Folhas de Planta , Solo , ÁguaRESUMO
Target leaf spot was found on johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) in La Plata, Argentina (34°54'S, 58°30'W). Up to 80% disease severity was observed in adult plants. In most diseased plants, spots were well defined, delimited by leaf veins, and elongated. Individual lesions ranged in size from small spots (2 to 3 mm) to large lesions (10 to 15 mm). Lesions sometimes coalesced to produce extensive areas of necrosis. Isolates identified as Bipolaris sorghicola (Lefebre & Scherwin) Alcorn (1) grew slowly on potato dextrose agar medium, producing a compact dark brown mycelium. Conidia were 40 to 80 µm long, slightly curved and golden brown, with three to seven pseudosepta. Although germination of conidia was mainly bipolar, lateral germination sometimes was observed. Twenty monoconidial isolates were inoculated at 105 conidia per cm3 on johnsongrass at the 4-leaf stage to confirm the pathogenicity of B. sorghicola. After inoculation, plants were placed in a high-humidity chamber for 24 h; thereafter, they were kept at 25°C day and 18°C night temperatures. Typical lesions developed after 10 days. The pathogen was reisolated from lesions after 15 days. Johnsongrass is one of the most noxious weeds in the world. Due to its potential as a biocontrol agent, further studies are needed to determine the effect of B. sorghicola on johnsongrass. Reference: (1) J. L. Alcorn. Mycotaxon 27:1, 1983.