Maize genotypes with contrasting genetic variability have different yield potential. This distinct yield potential may be partially caused by differences in the root system morphology or in the nutrient uptake kinetics parameters. This study aimed to assess such morphological and physiological plant attributes of three maize genotypes with different genetic bases. A single-cross hybrid (P32R21), a double-cross hybrid (Traktor) and an open-pollinated variety (BRS Planalto) were studied. The uptake kinetics parameters (maximum influx - Imax, Michaelis-Mentem constant - Km, and solution concentration at which net nutrient uptake stops - Cmin) were estimated. Morphological root attributes were also measured in growth chamber experiments carried out with nutrient solutions. Root morphology showed little variation among maize genotypes. Differences among genotypes regarding the uptake kinetics depended on the nutrient: Imax differed among genotypes for P, the Km for N and P, and Cmin for N and K. The open-pollinated variety was expected to present lower Km and Cmin values than the hybrids due to its broader genetic variability. Nevertheless, this was only observed for P in relation to Km. The single-cross hybrid should have presented higher Imax values than the other genotypes due to its higher yield potential. However, this was not the case for any nutrient evaluated in the trials. Therefore, nutrient uptake does not seem to be a determinant factor to explain differences in grain yield of maize genotypes with contrasting genetic bases.
Zea mays; nutrient influx; root morphology; solution culture
