 |
|
Simulating kernel production influences maize model accuracy
September 24, 2007Recently, researchers at Iowa State University discovered a way to increase the accuracy of a popular crop model. By zeroing in on early stages leading up to kernel formation, scientists believe they can help improve yield predictions across a variety of environmental conditions. The team of scientists reported their findings in the September-October issue of Crop Science.
The Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CERES)- Maize model is used worldwide to predict maize yield each growing season. CERES-Maize predictions are based upon simulations of plant growth and the amount of carbon and nitrogen maize plants accumulate each day. While this approach provides growers with ballpark estimates of maize production, the accuracy decreases when growing conditions affect kernel formation more than plant growth.
Unlike most crop plants, maize has separate male and female flowers. Pollen from male flowers must travel to and fertilize female flowers located on ear. Each successful fertilization of a female flower leads to the production of a kernel.
"Pollination success depends on the amount of viable pollen produced, the presence of the pollen receptive part of the female flower, and close synchrony in male and female flower development," says Mark Westgate, Iowa State University professor of agronomy. "CERES-Maize does not consider these critical aspects of the pollination process."
To overcome the limitations of CERES-Maize, Westgate and his colleagues developed algorithms for a Flowering Model to simulate maize flowering dynamics. Once they were convinced the Flowering Model was properly imitating maize flowering patterns, they coupled it to CERES-Maize. The Modified version of CERES-Maize then was calibrated against two years of field data involving three hybrids, eight population densities, and seven nitrogen levels. The Modified version of CERES-Maize generated more accurate predictions of maize yield across a wide range of growing conditions.
"There are many situations in which kernel number is not limited by the ability of the plant to supply carbon and nitrogen to the ear," Westgate said. "By taking into account other factors influencing kernel number, CERES-maize is much more sensitive to biological factors that can affect yield."
What's up next for Westgate and his research team? A model they are developing to predict pollen movement from one field to another. They're using it along with the Flowering Model to predict the genetic purity of harvested seed. According to Westgate, genetic purity is a concern in hybrid seed production as well as for corn grown for non-genetically modified markets.
American Society of Agronomy
"Pollination success depends on the amount of viable pollen produced, the presence of the pollen receptive part of the female flower, and close synchrony in male and female flower development," says Mark Westgate, Iowa State University professor of agronomy. "CERES-Maize does not consider these critical aspects of the pollination process."
To overcome the limitations of CERES-Maize, Westgate and his colleagues developed algorithms for a Flowering Model to simulate maize flowering dynamics. Once they were convinced the Flowering Model was properly imitating maize flowering patterns, they coupled it to CERES-Maize. The Modified version of CERES-Maize then was calibrated against two years of field data involving three hybrids, eight population densities, and seven nitrogen levels. The Modified version of CERES-Maize generated more accurate predictions of maize yield across a wide range of growing conditions.
"There are many situations in which kernel number is not limited by the ability of the plant to supply carbon and nitrogen to the ear," Westgate said. "By taking into account other factors influencing kernel number, CERES-maize is much more sensitive to biological factors that can affect yield."
What's up next for Westgate and his research team? A model they are developing to predict pollen movement from one field to another. They're using it along with the Flowering Model to predict the genetic purity of harvested seed. According to Westgate, genetic purity is a concern in hybrid seed production as well as for corn grown for non-genetically modified markets.
American Society of Agronomy
Maize Current Events and Maize News RSSScientists at UA, collaborating institutions decode maize genome
Scientists from the University of Arizona led by Arizona Genomics Institute director Rod A. Wing and from collaborating institutions have deciphered the complete genetic code of the maize plant for the first time.
Scientists unlock clues for tailoring corn plant for food, energy needs
Scientists have long known that the offspring of two inbred strains tend to be superior to both their parents. Now, a team of researchers including a University of Florida geneticist has discovered clues to why that might be the case for one of the most important crops in the world: corn.
Maize cell wall genes identified, giving boost to biofuel research
Purdue University scientists have helped identify and group the genes thought to be responsible for cell wall development in maize, an effort that expands their ability to discover ways to produce the biomass best suited for biofuels production.
New map of variation in maize genetics holds promise for developing new varieties
A new study of maize has identified thousands of diverse genes in genetically inaccessible portions of the genome. New techniques may allow breeders and researchers to use this genetic variation to identify desirable traits and create new varieties that were not easily possible before.
New Maize Map to Aid Plant Breeding Efforts
In a massive survey of genetic diversity in maize, also known as corn, researchers across the United States, have developed a gene map that should pave the way to significant improvements in a plant that is a major source of food, fuel, animal feed and fiber around the world.
DNA barcodes: Creative new uses span health, fraud, smuggling, history, more
The scientific ability to quickly and accurately identify species through DNA "barcoding" is being embraced and applied by a growing legion of global authorities - from medical and agricultural researchers to police and customs authorities to palaeontologists and others.
Wild pigs and deer do not spread GM corn via feces or accumulate transgenic residues in meat
Deer stew, roast of wild boar, venison ragout - come fall, all varieties of game are in season for gourmets. However, ever since the worldwide surge in genetically modified corn, critical consumers' appetites have abated somewhat.
UCR researchers develop genetic map for cowpea, accelerating development of new varieties
Cowpea, a protein-rich legume crop, is immensely important in many parts of the world, particularly drought-prone regions of Africa and Asia, where it plays a central role in the diet and economy of hundreds of millions of people.
The amazing maze of maize evolution
Understanding the evolution and domestication of maize has been a holy grail for many researchers. As one of the most important crops worldwide and as a crop that appears very different from its wild relatives as a result of domestication, understanding exactly how maize has evolved has many practical benefits and may help to improve crop yields.
UGA researchers propose model for disorders caused by improper transmission of chromosomes
Parents of healthy newborns often remark on the miracle of life. The joining of egg and sperm to create such delightful creatures can seem dazzlingly beautiful if the chromosome information from each parent has been translated properly into the embryo and newborn.
More Maize Current Events and Maize News Articles
 |
Corn Is Maize (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) by Aliki (Author), Aliki (Illustrator) What's so great about corn? Popcorn, corn on the cob, cornbread, tacos, tamales, and tortillas. All of these and many other good things come from one amazing plant. Aliki tells the story of corn: How Native American farmers thousands of years ago found and nourished a wild grass plant and made it an important part of their lives. They learned the best ways to grow and store and use its fat yellow kernels. And then they shared this knowledge with the new settlers of America. |
 |
Tignanello Soft Casual N/S Tote,Maize,one size by Tignanello |
 |
1Fast400 Waxy Maize Unlfavored, 5.95-Pounds by 1Fast400 1Fast400 Waxy Maize Unlfavored, 5.95lb |
 |
Handbook of Maize: Its Biology by Jeff L. Bennetzen (Editor), Sarah C. Hake (Editor) Maize is one of the world's highest value crops, with a multibillion dollar annual contribution to agriculture. The great adaptability and high yield of maize as a food, feed and forage crop have led to its production on a massive scale, with acreage expanding at the expense of other crops. Maize has developed in its non-food usage, comprising a major source of ethanol for fuel in the United States. In addition, maize has occupied center stage in the transgenic plant controversy, serving as one of the first food crops with commercialized transgenic varieties. The release of the genome sequence of maize in 2008 will indicate the structure and gene content of the first average-size plant genome and will be the most complex genome sequenced from any organism to date. Beyond its major... |
 |
Glycomaize-Optimum Nutrition Waxy Maize Muscle Refueler, 4.4lb by Optimum Nutrition |
 |
Greatest Hits by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, Greatest Hits |
 |
American Baby Company Cotton Terry Flat Changing Table Cover - Maize by American Baby Company |
|
Maize n Brew (Michigan Wolverines) by SB Nation An Unofficial Michigan Football Blog that Hits like Ezeh and is Smooth like Gibson.Kindle blogs are fully downloaded onto your Kindle so you can read them even when you're not wirelessly connected. And unlike RSS readers which often only provide headlines, blogs on Kindle give you full text content and images, and are updated wirelessly throughout the day. | |
|
Recommended Lists - Forage Maize by Natl Inst Agricultural Botany | |
 |
Pinzon 400-Thread-Count 100% Egyptian Cotton Hemstitch Standard Pillowcase Set, Maize by Amazon Rest easy in these 400-Thread-Count 100% Egyptian cotton 2 pick pillowcases. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |