Method for increasing seed production yield of maize in high-temperature environment

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention is a method for increasing the seed production yield of maize in a high-temperature environment. Under conventional management of maize cultivation, foliar fertilization is performed from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage of maize. Fertilizers for foliar fertilization include a zinc fertilizer, a boron fertilizer, and a calcium fertilizer. By rationally performing foliar sprays of the zinc fertilizer, the boron fertilizer, and the calcium fertilizer from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage as an innovative method, the present invention can effectively reduce the effect of the high-temperature environment on the hybrid seed production in maize, effectively increases seed production yield, involves low cost, is not limited to specific maize varieties or sowing dates thereof, and improves adaptability.

Description

A method to increase maize seed production yield under high temperature conditions Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of maize planting technology, and in particular to a method for increasing maize seed production yield under high-temperature conditions. Background Technology

[0002] Due to its geographical location and climate, Xinjiang experiences frequent high temperatures in summer, with temperatures in 2023 mostly ranging from 35 to 40°C. Studies have shown that high-temperature stress significantly affects various physiological functions of maize, especially during the flowering and pollination period. High temperatures during this time can lead to reduced seed setting rate, shortened grain-filling period, and decreased source-sink coordination capacity, resulting in fewer kernels per ear and a lower 100-kernel weight, ultimately reducing yield.

[0003] Currently, domestic and international preventive measures against high-temperature damage during the corn flowering period mainly include selecting heat-resistant varieties, adjusting the sowing time to avoid high temperatures, and spraying plant growth regulators. However, these methods have limited adaptability: in actual hybrid seed production, heat-resistant varieties may not meet other requirements, making it difficult to find suitable heat-resistant varieties; furthermore, high-temperature damage is somewhat sudden, and methods that predict the occurrence of high temperatures to adjust the sowing time are uncertain; the use of plant growth regulators requires careful selection based on the corn variety, corn growth stage, and regional environment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more adaptable methods to increase corn yield under high-temperature conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, based on the above background, the present invention provides a planting method for preventing and treating yellowing of tree leaves and promoting greening under the irrigation of reclaimed water in arid and saline-alkali land. The present invention takes measures from both above-ground and underground parts to maintain the water balance of transplanted trees and ensure the absorption of nutrients by the above-ground leaves and underground roots, so as to prevent yellowing of tree leaves under the irrigation of reclaimed water in arid and saline-alkali land and improve the survival rate of transplanted trees.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0006] A method to increase seed production yield of maize under high temperature conditions involves applying foliar fertilizer during the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage of maize, under conventional maize planting management. The foliar fertilizer includes zinc fertilizer, boron fertilizer, and calcium fertilizer.

[0007] Furthermore, the zinc fertilizer is an aqueous solution of zinc sulfate with a concentration of 0.5wt% to 1wt%.

[0008] Furthermore, the calcium fertilizer is an aqueous solution of calcium gluconate with a concentration of 0.5wt% to 1wt%.

[0009] Furthermore, the boron fertilizer is an aqueous solution of sodium borate with a concentration of 0.5wt% to 1wt%.

[0010] Furthermore, the calcium fertilizer is sprayed alternately with the zinc and boron fertilizers to avoid precipitation of the calcium gluconate solution.

[0011] Furthermore, the pH values ​​of the zinc fertilizer, calcium fertilizer, and boron fertilizer are all 6.0 to 6.5.

[0012] Furthermore, a high-temperature environment refers to a period during the corn growing season when the daily maximum temperature is ≥35℃ and lasts for more than 3 consecutive days.

[0013] Furthermore, foliar fertilization is carried out at a fixed cycle of 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage of corn.

[0014] Furthermore, foliar fertilization is carried out at fixed times and on fixed cycles from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage of corn. The fixed time is the windless period from 18:00 to 20:00 on each foliar fertilization day.

[0015] The beneficial effects achieved by adopting this invention are as follows:

[0016] This invention innovatively reduces the impact of high-temperature environments on maize hybrid seed production by applying zinc, boron, and calcium fertilizers through foliar spraying during the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage of maize. This effectively increases seed production yield, is low-cost, and is not limited by maize variety selection or sowing time, making it more adaptable. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram comparing the effects of different foliar fertilization ratios on the grain weight of a single ear in maize hybrid seed production according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram comparing the effects of different foliar fertilization ratios on the seed setting rate of maize hybrid seed production in embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram comparing the effects of different foliar fertilization ratios on the 100-grain weight of maize hybrid seed production in embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram comparing the effects of different foliar fertilization ratios on the yield of maize hybrid seed production in the embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. The following embodiments are implemented based on the technical solutions of the present invention, and detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes are given. However, the present invention can also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0022] Preparation before experiment

[0023] Experimental materials: The experimental materials used below are the self-bred inbred line SCML0849 (maternal parent) and Qi 319 (paternal parent).

[0024] Experimental Site: The experimental area was established in 2023 in Dongbinghu Village, Manas County, Changji Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. The area has a mid-latitude continental arid climate, and from June to August 2024, there were more than 30 days with temperatures above 35°C.

[0025] Planting method: Thirteen treatments were set up, with three replicates for each treatment, resulting in a total of 39 plots. Each plot consisted of 6 rows, each 2 m long, with the middle four rows representing the female parent and the two outermost rows representing the male parent. A protective row was placed around the perimeter. Both the female parent and the protective rows underwent emasculation. The row spacing was 0.4 m, and the plant spacing was 0.2 m. The plot area was 2.4 m × 2 m = 4.8 m². 2 The remaining field management, including weeding, thinning, fertilization, irrigation, and pest and disease prevention, follows the conventional corn planting methods and is referred to as corn seed production management in this article.

[0026] Implementation Cases

[0027] Solution 1:

[0028] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of corn seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0029] The specific spraying conditions are: on a sunny, windless day, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., manual spraying shall be carried out.

[0030] Spray the plant leaves with a 1% solution of zinc sulfate and sodium borate evenly. On the second day, spray the plant leaves with a 1% solution of calcium gluconate evenly at the same time.

[0031] Process 2

[0032] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of corn seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0033] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0034] Spray the plant leaves evenly with a 0.5% solution of zinc sulfate and sodium borate. On the second day, at the same time, spray the plant leaves evenly with a 0.5% solution of calcium gluconate.

[0035] Process 3

[0036] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0037] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0038] Spray the plant leaves evenly with a 1% zinc sulfate solution, and then spray the plant leaves evenly with a 1% calcium gluconate solution at the same time on the second day.

[0039] Process 4

[0040] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0041] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0042] Spray the plant leaves evenly with a 0.5% zinc sulfate solution, and then spray the plant leaves evenly with a 0.5% calcium gluconate solution at the same time on the second day.

[0043] Process 5

[0044] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0045] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0046] Spray a 1% sodium borate solution evenly onto the plant leaves. On the second day, at the same time, spray a 1% calcium gluconate solution evenly onto the plant leaves.

[0047] Process 6

[0048] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0049] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0050] Spray a 0.5% sodium borate solution evenly onto the plant leaves. On the second day, at the same time, spray a 0.5% calcium gluconate solution evenly onto the plant leaves.

[0051] Process 7

[0052] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0053] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0054] Spray the dissolved zinc sulfate solution and sodium borate solution evenly onto the plant leaves. On the second day, spray an equal volume of water evenly onto the plant leaves at the same time.

[0055] Process 8

[0056] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0057] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0058] Spray the dissolved zinc sulfate solution and sodium borate solution evenly onto the plant leaves. On the second day, spray an equal volume of water evenly onto the plant leaves at the same time.

[0059] Process 9

[0060] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0061] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0062] Spray the 1% zinc sulfate solution evenly onto the leaves of the plant, and then spray an equal volume of water evenly onto the leaves of the plant at the same time the next day.

[0063] Process 10

[0064] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0065] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 PM and 8 PM. A 0.5% zinc sulfate solution should be evenly sprayed onto the plant leaves, and the same volume of water should be evenly sprayed onto the plant leaves at the same time the following day.

[0066] Process 11

[0067] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0068] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0069] Spray the dissolved sodium borate solution evenly onto the plant leaves, and then spray an equal volume of water evenly onto the plant leaves at the same time the next day.

[0070] Process 12

[0071] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0072] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0073] Spray the dissolved sodium borate solution (0.5%) evenly onto the plant leaves. On the second day, spray an equal volume of water evenly onto the plant leaves at the same time.

[0074] Treatment 13 (Control Treatment)

[0075] Sowing began on May 1, 2024. Under the management of maize seed production, foliar spraying was carried out every 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage.

[0076] The specific spraying conditions are sunny and windless weather, and manual spraying should be carried out between 6 pm and 8 pm.

[0077] Spray an equal volume of water evenly onto the plant leaves, and repeat the process on the second day at the same time.

[0078] Each treatment was repeated three times.

[0079] Treatments 1-13 were analyzed and labeled T1-T13. After the plants matured, three uniformly growing plants from each replicate of each treatment were selected to harvest ears for seed testing, and data such as seed setting rate were measured. All remaining ears were harvested to determine the total ear weight and grain weight. The results are shown in Figures 1 to 4. Different lowercase letters in the same column of the figures indicate significant differences between different treatments (P<0.05).

[0080] (1) Effects of different fertilization ratios on single ear grain weight in maize hybrid seed production:

[0081] The effects of different fertilization ratios on the single ear grain weight of maize hybrid seed production are shown in Figure 1. Compared with other treatments and the control treatment, T1 can obtain the maximum single ear grain weight of 68.8 g. Compared with the control treatment, the single ear grain weight of T1 increased significantly by about 63.42%. Compared with the control treatment, the single ear grain weight of T2 increased significantly by about 51.78%. There were no significant differences among the other treatment groups.

[0082] (2) Effects of different fertilization ratios on seed setting rate in maize hybrid seed production:

[0083] The effects of different fertilization ratios on the seed setting rate of maize hybrid seed production are shown in Figure 2. Compared with other treatments and the control, T1 achieved the highest seed setting rate of 0.78. Compared with the control, T1-T12 all showed significant increases, namely 67.23%, 54.81%, 40.00%, 29.94%, 49.09%, 33.86%, 39.07%, 32.79%, 34.59%, 17.21%, 31.90%, and 22.07%, respectively.

[0084] (3) Effects of different fertilization ratios on the 100-kernel weight of hybrid maize seed production:

[0085] The effects of different fertilization ratios on the 100-grain weight of maize hybrid seed production are shown in Figure 3. There were no significant differences among all treatment groups.

[0086] (4) Effects of different fertilization ratios on the yield of hybrid maize seed production:

[0087] Compared with other treatments and the control, T1 yielded the highest yield of 533.89 kg / mu. Compared with the control, T1, T2 and T7 all showed significant increases of 48.95%, 44.55% and 36.07% respectively, while there were no significant differences among the other treatments.

[0088] The foregoing has shown and described the main features, methods of use, basic principles, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are only for illustrating the principles of the invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, corresponding changes and modifications may be made according to actual circumstances, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for increasing seed yield of maize under high-temperature conditions, characterized in that, Under conventional corn planting management, foliar fertilization is carried out from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage of corn. The foliar fertilizers include zinc fertilizer, boron fertilizer and calcium fertilizer.

2. The method for improving seed production yield of corn in high temperature environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The zinc fertilizer is a zinc sulfate aqueous solution with a concentration of 0.5wt% to 1wt%.

3. The method of increasing seed production of corn in high temperature environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calcium fertilizer is an aqueous solution of calcium gluconate with a concentration of 0.5wt% to 1wt%.

4. The method for increasing maize seed production yield under high-temperature conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The boron fertilizer is an aqueous solution of sodium borate with a concentration of 0.5wt% to 1wt%.

5. The method for increasing maize seed production yield under high-temperature conditions according to claim 3, characterized in that, The calcium fertilizer was sprayed alternately with the zinc and boron fertilizers.

6. The method for increasing maize seed production yield under high-temperature conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pH values ​​of the zinc fertilizer, calcium fertilizer, and boron fertilizer are all 6.0 to 6.

5.

7. The method for increasing maize seed production yield under high-temperature conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that, High-temperature environment refers to the period of corn growth when the daily maximum temperature is ≥35℃ and lasts for more than 3 days.

8. The method for increasing maize seed production yield under high-temperature conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that, Foliar fertilization was carried out at a fixed cycle of 10 days from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage of corn.

9. A method for increasing maize seed production yield under high-temperature conditions according to claim 8, characterized in that, Foliar fertilization was carried out at a fixed time and on a fixed schedule from the five-leaf stage to the tasseling stage of corn. The fixed time was the windless period from 18:00 to 20:00 on each day of foliar fertilization.

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