CHARACTERIZATION OF MAIZE CULTIVARS USING 15N AS MARKER AT THREE PHENOLOGICAL STAGES

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) has a wide genetic variation as a result of multiple selection, adaptation and management processes. An important characteristic of the genotypes is the nitrogen distribution pattern of nitrogen pattern of nitrogen derived from fertilizer (Nddf). In this work the Nddf distribution using ¹⁵N as a marker was studied in two cultivars. Results showed that the nitrogen distribution in the plant, followed different patterns according to supply date of marked fertilizer. When the application was carried out at the time of emergence of the second leaf and at the starting of tasseling, the cultivars showed significant differences in the distribution pattern, while for the application at sowing both genotypes had similar patterns.