How do maize plants respond to nitrogen availability? The spatial and temporal distribution of nitrogen within the canopy

Summary

The variation in plant architecture in response to different levels of N availability can lead to changes in the distribution of light within the maize canopy. As new upper leaves emerge and lower leaves senesce, the vertical distribution of light and nitrogen within the canopy undergo alterations over time. This dynamic process can influence the relationship between light and nitrogen, primarily due to the variation in plant architecture. By studying the differences between older and newer cultivars, valuable insights can be gained into the mechanisms responsible for the increases in yield potential that have been achieved through breeding under diverse crop management practices.

These findings can contribute to a better understanding of how these cultivars leverage their characteristics to achieve improved yields but could also yield information about the potential to breed for a higher nitrogen-use efficiency in maize.