Investigation of relation between some physiological parameters, yield and yield components in maize (Zea mays L.)

This study was carried out to determine relationships between physiological characteristics and yield components, contributing breeding investigations and suggesting suitable maize varieties for the region. The research was laid out as randomized complete block design with four replications in 2015 maize growing season. PR31D24, Kalipso, 70MAY82, Suerto, P1921, DKC6724 grain maize varieties which have different properties were used as material. According to the obtained results, there were significant differences among varieties in terms of pre-flowering, flowering, post-flowering period's chlorophyll contents (SPAD readings), ear length, leaf area index (LAI), stomatal conductance, ear diameter, stem diameter, the number of ear per plant, kernel / ear rate, 1000 kernel weight, grain moisture at harvesting, starch rate, crude fat rate and hectoliter. The P1921 variety had highest yield by 1518.10 kg/da. The correlation analysis showed that there were significant and positive correlations among grain yield and flowering period's chlorophyll content, plant height, ear numbers at harvest and kernel / ear rate, while there was negative significant correlation between grain yield and duration of tasseling. It was determined that there were interrelations between physiological and morphological parameters and these interrelations affects grain yield; in addition, the results indicated that chlorophyll content, plant height, ear length, ear diameter and kernel / ear rate can be used as selection criteria in maize breeding programs under Southeastern Anatolia Region conditions.