Dry‐Matter Accumulation in Corn (Zea mays L.) Plants: Comparisons among Single‐Cross Hybrids1

Abstract Eleven corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids were grown in the field for determination of dry matter accumulation in the different plant parts at successive stages of plant development. The length of time from stage O (emergence) to stage 2.5 (10th leaf fully visible) was the same for all hybrids, but the length of time from stage 2.5 to stage 5.0 (silking) and the length of time during which the grain increased in weight varied markedly among the hybrids. The daily rate of dry matter accumulation was similar for all hybrids. The relative proportion of grain and nongrain plant parts varied among the hybrids. Dry matter apparently accumulated in many nongrain parts of the plants after silking and was later translocated to the grain.