GRAINS WEIGHT ESTIMATING MODEL ON MAIZE MATURE EARS BASED ON SOME STEMS BIOMETRIC PARAMETERS

Abstract

The study analyzed different models for estimating seeds production on maize mature ear based on biometric parameters of plants. The biological material was represented by the maize MAS 59 hybrid. In the main growth stage 5 (55-57 BBCH code) stem based diameter (SBD), stem height (SH), stem weight (SW) and stem leaf number (SLN) were determined. At maturity, the weight of the grains (GW) per mature maize ear was determined. Moderate correlations between GW and SH (r = 0.778) and strong correlations between GW with SW (r = 0.819), GW with SBD (r = 0.850) and GW with SLN (r = 0887) were found. The regression analysis led to obtaining polynomial equations of degree 2, which facilitated the estimation of GW according to biometric parameters, in statistical safety conditions (p < 0.05). Based on RMSEP values, it was estimated that the most reliable estimate was obtained based on SLN (RMSEP = 20.80075), compared to SH where RMSEP = 28.13223. Optimal values were calculated for SBD, SH, SW and SLN in relation to GW. 3D and isoquants graphics were obtained for GW distribution according to biometric parameters.