MAIZE INTERNODE ELONGATION PATTERNS

During maize (Zea mays L.) growth, the stalk elongates in a sigmoidal pattern. This overall pattern arises from the variable growth rates of individual internodes comprising the maize stalk. To discern differen ces in growth rate among internodes of the stalk, individual elongatio n rates and patterns were determined in a single-cross hybrid. When ea ch of 12 aboveground internodes (7 through 18) of growth-chamber-grown plants reached approximately 10 mm in length, they were dotted along their lengths with black acrylic paint at 1-mm intervals and photograp hed daily over 35 d. Full-scale photographs documented that all intern odes elongated sigmoidally, in a basipetal direction. Elongation began slowly and uniformly throughout the length of the undeveloped interno de during the first 2 to 3 d, increased in rate and shifted basipetall y from the upper internode region toward the middle, and later, toward the basal region of the enlarging internode. Elongation decelerated i n the intercalary meristem region during the final days of internode l engthening. Internodes 8 through 12 elongated similarly with the great est daily growth rates. Internodes 13 and 14, which supported developi ng ears, had the longest elongation periods but slower growth rates an d shorter final lengths than other internodes. Internode 15 had a rapi d rate of growth like 18 through 12, but an elongation pattern similar to 113 and 14. Evidence from this study indicates that the relative p osition of internodes in the emerging stalk hierarchy and the function al role of internodes in stalk development influences individual inter node growth rate, elongation period, and developmental pattern.