Genetic variation in the critical specific leaf nitrogen maximising yield among modern maize hybrids

A major aim in breeding programs is to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The critical level of specific leaf nitrogen (SLNc) maximising growth and yield is a relevant trait influencing NUE. The relationship between growth or yield and SLN is hyperbolic indicating that levels of SLN higher than the critical would tend to decrease NUE. It has been recently proposed that maize breeding may profit of this relationship by phenotyping SLN and...