ISSN:
1435-0653
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Zea mays L.). However, there have been no reports that the virus causes significant reductions in size or yield of irrigated maize. Trials to assess the effect of PAV on maize yields were conducted for 3 yr with two hybrids (`Déa' and `Nobilis') and two isolates of PAV (2t and L14). These two isolates differed in geographic origin and virulence on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), but they multiplied similarly to wild isolates in leaves of maize hybrids. The virus was detected in maize leaves during the same period after inoculation in two out of three years. The reason for low levels of virus in leaves in the 1996 season may have been high temperatures (〉30°C) following inoculation. Under these conditions, the virus was restricted to the roots for long periods. This blocking of virus migration and/or foliar multiplication was accompanied by less reddening, and there was almost no decrease in grain yield. High early leaf infection of the virus had little effect on the vegetative development of the hybrids (〈10% reduction in plant height), but grain yield was between 15 and 20% lower for a production of 10 to 12 t ha−1. This drop in yield was due to fewer kernels of maize per ear, while the 1000 kernel mass was unaffected. The loss in yield was not affected by either the virus isolate or the maize hybrid, although the intensity of symptoms differed between hybrids. The data show that there are potential losses incurred by PAV on maize yield. Therefore, these findings justify the establishment of a breeding program.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
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