Weather conditions and the growth of maize in Kumasi area of Ghana. 2 Analysis of the growth of a maize variety sown on differnent dates.
1976
Osafo, D.M., Department of Crop Production, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (Ghana)
A grain maize variety, Diacol 153, was sown on ten different dates, from 26 March to 10 September in 1973 at a standard density of 10_8 plants per m2 and a rectangularity of 1: 1, in a randomized block design experiment conducted at the University Farm, Kumasi (60 43' N, 10 36' W). The 118-day growth period-from sowing to grain maturity-allowed for each sowing to occur under conditions of rainfall, incoming global shortwave radiation, atmospheric humidity and air temperatures which were essentially different. Shoot yield and shoot yield index (a ratio of shoot growth to leaf area duration); the components of growth: leaf area index, and net assimilation rate, total ear yield, grain yield and components, as well as grain yield index (the ratio of grain yield to leaf area duration after flowering) were all affected by the date of sowing, being positively influenced by rainfall, solar radiation and, presumably, air temperatures or a combination of these. The highest overall efficiency of conversion of solar energy into chemical energy was 1_49% and appeared to have been achieved by a combination of an adequate soil moisture regime, higher radiation income during early growth and a more rapid development of leaf area for the maximum possible interception of this radiation.
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