Effects of water stress on leaf area index, crop growth rate and dry matter accumulation of field-grown corn and soybean1

B.M. Masri and K.J. Boote

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted on lake fine sand to study the effects of water stress on leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR) and dry matter production of corn and soybean. Results indicated that LAI, CGR and dry matter production were greatly reduced by water deficits in both
crops. Reduction in LAI had significantly reduced the amount of light intercepted by the crop canopies . Pioneer 3165 corn hybrid showed a slower onset of stress symptoms as compared with Biloxi soybean.

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