Degree Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
1988
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Agronomy
First Advisor
R. Brent Pearce
Abstract
A simulation model of maize kernel growth was developed. The model mechanically simulates endosperm differentiation and starch granule growth at the cellular level. Simulation begins with silking and ends when growth substrate (assimilatory and reserve) is exhausted;Endosperm differentiation is simulated on the basis of an empirical growth curve synthesized from various published sources. Meristematic and amyliferous cell proliferation are modeled separately. Starch and protein synthesis are modeled on the basis of published assimilate uptake rates, observed stoichiometry of C and N uptake in developing kernels, and published metabolic construction costs. A whole maize ear is simulated as a rectangular array addressed by position. Each position is simulated independently and an effect of position on kernel development is implemented;On the basis of the flux of C and N required by kernels to maintain cellular processes and starch granule growth, an assimilate "sink demand" is calculated. Currently, whole-crop maize simulators do not include an explicit sink component during the reproductive growth phase. This model would be a useful addition to these simulators.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/rtd-180813-8883
Publisher
Digital Repository @ Iowa State University, http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/
Copyright Owner
Ricardo J. Salvador
Copyright Date
1988
Language
en
Proquest ID
AAI8909190
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
369 pages
Recommended Citation
Salvador, Ricardo J., "Simulation of kernel development and assimilate partitioning in maize " (1988). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 8888.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/8888
