Effects of Seed Size on Growth and Yield of Maize in the Kenya Highlands

Abstract

SUMMARY Maize was grown from three batches of seed, with mean 1000-grain weights of 225, 432 and 649 g. Initial plant size was larger when grown from large seed, but development rates were similar for all three sizes and relative growth rates were similar during the early stages. Relative differences in plant size became smaller as the crop matured. Crop growth rates during the linear phase of dry matter production were the same, and there were no significant yield differences. Comparisons of leaf and spikelet initiation, and individual leaf size are also reported.