Spectral reflectance variations in stay-green and conventional maize hybrids as response to population level stress

Stress caused by increase population density in maize produce significant yield loss. To remedy it, photosynthetic activity maintenance even under unfavorable conditions is required. Senescence delay induced by stress in stay-green genotypes (SG) could contribute to maintaining photosynthetic capacity. In this work we observed differences in reflectance curves of two hybrids (SG and no SG) when population level increased. Significant differences in chlorophyll absorption spectral region were observed. Therefore spectral signatures studies maize could help to understanding of the physiological basis of SG character to predict the growing conditions in which these hybrids would express their production potential.