Changes in Weight, Germ Ratio, and Oil Content Kernel Development in High Oil Corn (Zea mays L.)1
- Earl R. Leng2
Changes in kernel and germ weight, germ percentage, oil percentage, and weight of oil were studied in the “Illinois High Oil” strain of corn during the 1962 and 1963 growing seasons. Dry weights of both whole kernels and germs (scutellum plus embryo axis) increased in linear manner from the first sampling date (19 to 21 days) until about the end of the 7th week of kernel development. The ratio of germ to whole kernel dry weight (germ percentage) continued to increase from the first sampling date until the kernel was nearly physiologically mature. Germ oil percentage rose rapidly from around 38% on the first sampling date to 54 to 56% by the end of the 4th week of kernel development, remaining nearly constant from then on. As a result, whole-kernel oil percentage increased in about the same manner as germ proportion and did not reach maximum level until about the end of the 7th week after pollination.Please view the pdf by using the Full Text (PDF) link under 'View' to the left.
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