Effect of Tassel Removal on Grain Yield of Corn (Zea mays L.)¹

Abstract

In three of five cases, tassel removal from corn (Zea mays L.) at or near tassel emergence increased grain yields. The increase was larger and more consistent at higher populations. When leaf tissue was removed with the tassel, yields were decreased, although this effect was smaller at higher populations. A large portion of the yield response from detasseling resulted from the elimination of tassel light interception. Simulated small tassel size (produced by tassel side branch removal) resulted in increased grain yields.

The Genetic Basis of Plant Architecture in 10 Maize Recombinant Inbred Line Populations

“…Tassel size is a key factor associated with maize grain yield (Duvick, 2005). A smaller tassel is frequently associated with higher yield; however, hybrid production would be affected if the tassel were too small (Hunter et al, 1969). The dramatic TBN variation in the ROAM population might allow a large flexible selection of optimal tassel size.…”

Morphological and physiological traits associated with barrenness and grain yield in the maize breeding population, Iowa Upright Leaf Synthetic #1

“…Grogan (1956), suggested this phenomenon primarily was due to decreased competition for nutrients between the tassel primordia and ear primordia. Additionally, Duncan et al (1967) and Hunter et al (1969) hypothesized that positive yield responses associated with detasselling resulted from reduction of shading of upper canopy layers of maize plants grown at high densities» Duvick (1958) and Chinwuba et al (1961) demonstrated significant decreases in barrenness and concomitant signif icant increases in grain yield at high plant densities when male-sterile hybrids were compared with their male-fertile counterparts. Chinwuba et al (1961) harvested 41% more grain from male-sterile than from malefertile hybrids at 68,000 plants/ha and concluded this was a consequence of reduced competition between the tassel and the ear.…”

Evaluation of tolerance to high plant densities and plant efficiency of maize breeding populations developed by recurrent selection for grain yield

“…Duncan r.t al. (1967) and Hunter et al (1969), however, suggested that, at high plant densi ties, this phenomenon resulted from reduced shading of upper leaves on detasseled plants. Evidence reported by Anderson (1971) indicated that suppression of ear development likely was caused by apical dominance of the tassel.…”

“…For example, Buren et al (1974) evidently had a greater effect on grain yield as plant density increased. Also, reducing the size of the tassel by removal of branches has increased grain yield of maize (Shekhawat et al, 1964;Hunter et al, 1969). For example, grain yield was increased by 0.4 tons/ha by removing tassel side branches of maize grown at 72.0 M plants/ha (Hunter et al, 1969).…”

“…Also, reducing the size of the tassel by removal of branches has increased grain yield of maize (Shekhawat et al, 1964;Hunter et al, 1969). For example, grain yield was increased by 0.4 tons/ha by removing tassel side branches of maize grown at 72.0 M plants/ha (Hunter et al, 1969). Furthermore, Fakorede (1977) found that improved variety hybrids from two recurrent selection programs had tassels with three or four fewer branches than did unimSchuetz, S. H., and J. J. .…”