• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.334-339
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• 1995

Removal of apical ear after silking is a method to increase seed production in corn inbreds. Due to the phenomenon of apical dominance, the subapical ear would develope and produce seeds following the removal of the apical ear. This experiment was conducted to investigate the varietal difference in subapical ear development and seed production. Days to silking of subapical ears were delayed by about 4 days compared to normal apical ears. Cob length and filled ear length of subapical ears across seven inbreds tested were reduced by 21% and 36%, respectively. Those of inbred INV302 decreased less and subapical ear of inbred NC246 were barren, which incicated the varietal defferences. Number of kernel rows, kernels per row, and total kernels per ear also decreased. The mean reduction rates for those characters were 28%, 37%, and 47%, respectively. Weights of ears and kernels were reduced and showed different response among inbred lines. Coefficients of variations for cob and filled ear lengths, number of kernel rows and kernels were greater in subapical ears than in apical ears. Seed production of subapical ears was 40 ~ 80% of apical ears, depending on inbred lines when the apical ear is removed immediately after silking.