RESPONSE TO THE DEFOLIATION OF HYBRID CORN H-204 UNDER WEATHER CONDITIONS IN HOT WATERS

Abstract

Sink-source relationships of defoliated maize (Zea mays L.) were studied in the early hybrid H-204, planted under limited rainfall conditions in El Llano, State of Aguasealientes. Four defoliation levels (0, 25, 50 ~ 75%) were imposed in two different
forms, removing  each section of the leaf blade at ligule emergence and removing them at bloaning. In the first form, defoliation reduced grain yield up to 74%, while defoliation at anthe· sis had no significant effects on grain yield. Also, in the first case, defoliation reduced the Harvest Index (HI) whereas the second increased this index. Some yield components and vegetative
traits were also afected by defoliation at ligule emergence.