Grain yield and root characteristics of summer maize (Zea mays L.) under shade stress conditions

Low light is a major adversity affecting yield and quality of summer maize in the Huang-Huai-Hai region of China. We conducted a field experiment to explore the effects of shading on root development and yield formation in two summer maize hybrids (Zea mays L.), Denghai605 (DH605) and Zhengdan958 (ZD958). The experiment consisted of four treatments (CK: ambient sunlight, S1: shading from tasselling to physiological maturity stage, S2: shading from six-leaf to tasselling stage, S3: shading from seeding to physiological maturity stage). Shading had a strong impact on the development of roots in the upper soil layer. Shading significantly decreased the root dry weight, root/shoot ratio, root length density, root absorption area and active absorption area. The results showed that treatments in a diminishing sequence of effects on root from S3, S1, S2 to CK. Overall, shading decreased the root morphologic and activity indices, and decreased yield in summer maize. During an average of 2 years, yields of ZD958 in S3, S2 and S1 decreased by 85%, 24% and 55%, yields of DH605 in S3, S2 and S1 decreased by 87%, 26% and 67%, in compare to CK. The results will be useful for hybrid selection and improving cultural practices for enhancing the maize shading resistance in Huang-Huai-Hai region.