Responses of Internodes below Ear and Lodging-related Traits to Increased Planting Density in Maize

The population density of maize affects the lodging resistance. Stalk morphological and mechanical properties and lodging resistance are strongly coupled. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the diameter, length, coefficient in diameter internodes, ratio of fresh weight and length of internodes below ear under low density (4.50×10⁴·hm^-2), middle density (6.75×10⁴·hm^-2) and high density (9.00×10⁴·hm^-2). The results showed that the diameter and coefficient in diameter internodes was decreased with increased density, while the length of internodes was increased. The ratio of fresh weight and length of internodes was decreased from joining stage to full ripe stage and it was decreased from low to high density.