Physiology and Modeling Kernel Set in Maize

Kernel number per plant is the yield component primarily responsible for variation in maize grain yield across environments. The authors highlight recent discoveries regarding the roles of carbohydrate, nitrogen, and phyto-hormone metabolism in controlling kernel formation. It also establishes new and fundamental relationships between canopy development, light interception, ear development and kernel set, and the use of these relationships to model kernel number of maize.