13C Discrimination in Corn Grain Can Be Used to Separate and Quantify Yield Losses Due to Water and Nitrogen Stresses
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-2005
Abstract
It is difficult to quantify the mechanism(s) responsible for competition-induced yield loss using traditional experimental techniques. A technique using yield and 13C discrimination (Δ) for wheat, a C3 plant, has been developed to separate total yield loss (TYL) into yield loss due to N (YLNS) and water (YLWS) stresses. The objective of this research was to determine whether the Δ approach could be used in corn, a C4 plant, to separate TYL into YLNS and yield loss due to a combination of water and light stresses (YLWLS). The field study had a factorial design using five corn densities and five N rates and was conducted in western Nebraska in 1999 and 2000. Relationships for YLNS and YLWLS with TYL were derived from only a portion of the yield and Δ data collected in 1999 and validated based on the remaining data collected in 1999 and 2000. In 1999, 20 to 40% of TYL was due to YLWLS, whereas in 2000, a dry year, YLWLS accounted for 60 to 80% of the TYL. Results from using the Δ-based approach were consistent with analysis of variance results. For example, calculated YLWLS values were related to measured YLWLS by the equation: calculated YLWLS = 19 + 0.91 (measured YLWLS) (r 2 = 0.95; P < 0.01). The Δ approach, based on a plant's physiological response to the environment, can be used to separate and quantify competition-induced YLNS and YLWLS in corn.
Publication Title
Weed Science
Volume
53
Issue
1
First Page
23
Last Page
29
DOI of Published Version
10.1614/WS-04-070R1
Recommended Citation
Clay, David E.; Clay, Sharon A.; Lyon, Drew J.; and Blumenthal, Juerg M., "13C Discrimination in Corn Grain Can Be Used to Separate and Quantify Yield Losses Due to Water and Nitrogen Stresses" (2005). Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Faculty Publications. 190.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/plant_faculty_pubs/190
