Abstract:

【Objective】 The objective of this study is understand the regularity of phosphorus (P) distribution and translocation and their effects on P absorption and utilization, and explain the genotype differences of P distribution and translocation and their effects on the yield formation. 【Method】 The 31 waxy corn (Zea mays L. ceratina Kulesh) varieties released in recent years in China were planted to analyze the genotype differences of P distribution and translocation in the same fertilization condition. 【Result】 The results showed that the P distribution centre changed with the change of the growth centre in the process of growth of waxy corn. And the P mainly distributed in leaf blade and stem before silking stage, then the P distribution centre begin changed to ear after silking stage, and it changed to kernel formation gradually. Moreover, there were significant differences in the P translocation rate and the rate of P translocation in the produce of different organ among different varieties, respectively. Through correlation analysis, it was found that the P translocation rate had a dominant effect on yield, P utilization efficiency and P harvest index , but it had minor effect on total P. Through path analysis, it was found that the P translocation rate of the leaf blade was high for the varieties of high-fresh ear yield and high-fresh kernel yield, and the P translocation rate of stem and bracteal leaf was high for the varieties of high-maturity kernel yield. In addition, it was beneficial for high P utilization efficiency as for fresh ear, fresh kernel or maturity kernel of the produce that there are high P translocatrion rate of leaf sheath. 【Conclusion】 There were significant genotype differences of P distribution and translocation in Waxy Corn. And the P translocation rate had a dominant effect on yield, P utilization efficiency and P harvest index, but it had minor effect on total P. Moreover, the P utilization efficiency can be improved through improve the P translocation rate, especially the P translocation rate of leaf sheath.

Key words: waxy corn, phosphorus (P) translocation rate, genotype differences