5 | CONCLUSION
The study showed that the negative effects of the stress around
flowering persisted in the kernel. In field, the accelerated leaf
senescence and decreased net photosynthesis rate was observed. Although
the supply of source was sufficient in vitro cultured in the chamber,
the effect of stresses imposed around flowering on kernel weight was
inevitable. The kernel weight reduction mainly resulted from decreasing
enzyme activities related to starch synthesis, which further reduced
grain filling rate. It is necessary to further investigate the effect of
the early stresses on kernel through the view of key proteins and genes.
This information is important for breeding and selecting stress tolerant
maize hybrids.