Maize Grain Weight Sensitivity to Source–Sink Manipulations under a Wide Range of Field Conditions

Physiological causes for grain weight determination in maize ( Zea mays L.) are not clear. Source–sink relationships during grain filling modulate grain weight, and there are controversies regarding the degree of source limitation that may exist during grain filling. We aimed to analyze likely causes of the responsiveness of maize grain weight to defoliation and degraining treatments imposed 15 d after silking, quantifying the responsiveness of...