Photosynthesis and Yield Component Characteristics of Different Density-tolerant Maize in Xinjiang

【Objective】Five density-tolerant maize cultivars were used to study the characteristics of photosynthesis and yield component under the drip irrigation so as to provide a theoretical support of maize high yield cultivation in Xinjiang.【Method】We studied the agronomic trait and photosynthetic performances including leaf area index,leaf area duration,net assimilation rate,and yield formation of dry matter accumulation as well as yield components of different density-tolerant maize varieties at 3 planting densities under the eco-climatic conditions of Xinjiang.【Result】The peak of leaf area index(LAI) value of density-tolerant maize ZD909 was appropriate,and LAI got to peak earlier in the growth period and changed little both at before silking and after the grain-filling stage;the proportion of leaf area duration after anthesis,net assimilation rate and grain-leaf ratio as well as total and reproductive organs dry matter accumulation period were higher as a result of the higher yield at higher density.Although leaf area index,leaf area duration and dry matter accumulation volume were bigger in ZD808,the proportion of leaf area duration after anthesis,the net assimilation rate,and the grain-leaf ratio of ZD808 reduced significantly in higher density.Under conditions of 13.5×104 pl/hm2,the number of ears and the weight of grain lowered dramatically which limit the maize further increases in yield production.【Conclusion】We can take full advantage of long time sunshine at the arid conditions in Xinjiang,and choose the better performance of canopy photosynthesis of density-tolerant varieties of maize by increasing planting density in order to tap the high yield potential of the varieties themselves to achieve high and stable yield ultimately in a large area.