Maize leafiness is characterized by the number of leaves on the main stem and the leaf area index, determining the photosynthetic potential and nutritional value of the crop.
In the reference
44
varieties
crop Maize,
where this is mentioned in the description.
The number of leaves on the main stem is a varietal trait depending on the maturity group: early-maturing hybrids form 11–12 leaves, while late-maturing ones form 19–21 leaves. The leaf area index (LAI), reflecting the ratio of total leaf area to land area, is 3.0–6.0 for silage maize and 3.0–4.0 for grain maize.
The trait exhibits pronounced adaptability: under high stand density, due to shading, the number of leaves or their area decreases. Optimal leafiness ensures high dry matter accumulation productivity; however, its excess due to excessive density provokes lodging and a decrease in the proportion of ears in the total biomass.
General information about the subject — on the page
Leafiness.
Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.