The role of the exponential and linear phases of maize (Zea mays L.) ear growth for determination of kernel number and kernel weight

Although the importance of the critical period for establishing the maize (Zea mays L.) yield components of kernel number (KN) and kernel weight (KW) is well known, there is little detailed information on how early ear development during the critical period and lag phase are influenced by hybrid improvement or N stress. Seven hybrids commercialized between 1946 and 2015 were compared under a range of N stress created by five N fertilizer...