The Kernel Moisture Content Of Maize At Themature Stage And Its Chemical Regulation

Harvest mechanization of maize grain is inevitable trend in the development of modern agriculture, but its development is restricted by many factors, among them, high maize moisture content was most important factor. In this study, ZD958, DH605, XD20 and WK702 were used as materials, maize different moisture content in leaf, stem, cob, bract, handle and kernel of four maize varieties, through correlation analysis indicated which affected kernel moisture content, this could provide theoretical foundation for breeders. At the same time, a suitable concentration of ethephon was chosen to spray the maize plants to probe effects of regulators on reducing grain moisture content at the harvest. The results are as follows.(1) The grain moisture content of above four varieties showed a downward trend with the increase of maturity. The ZD958, DH605, XD20, WK702 fell 11.76%, 10.91%, 10.99% and 10.91%, respectively. At 56 d after pollination, grain moisture content of four varieties were different, ZD958 < XD20 < WK702 < DH605.(2) There were differences on morphological characteristics among four maize varieties. But for plant height and stem diameter, there were no significant difference between ZD958 and XD20, there were significant differences between DH605 and WK702(P < 0.05); about ear position, there were no significant differences among 4 varieties; about a total of bracts area, the significant difference of 4 varieties were presented(P < 0.05).(3) The relationship of moisture content between bracts and grain were very positive significantly for 4 maize varieties(P < 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation in rod 3 leafs, cob and the grain moisture content among ZD958, DH605 and XD20(P < 0.05). While the moisture content in the three ears of stem and grain of WK702 was significantly positive(P < 0.05).(4) The appropriate concentration of ethephon could greatly reduce grain moisture content at maize harvest. When spraying 2.0 g/L ethephon, grain moisture content of 4 varieties were significantly decreased(P < 0.05).(5) There were no significant effects with different concentration of ethephon treatment on the maize yield. When the concentration of ethephon was 5.0 g/L, the maize harvest production has been decreased obviously. When other concentration of ethephon sprayed, the production has no significant effect.