Alterations in plant architecture and physiology allow maize to sustain yield after early defoliation

Maize (Zea mays L.) responses to early defoliation are shaped by genotype-specific physiological and morphological traits, and understanding these responses is essential for improving both breeding strategies and agronomic management. We evaluated the effects of complete canopy defoliation at the V4 vegetative stage on shoot growth, root morphology, chlorophyll fluorescence, and yield stability in four maize genotypes. The dataset comprises individual experimental-unit measurements of growth traits, root characteristics, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and yield components collected under defoliated and non-defoliated conditions. Early defoliation consistently reduced total leaf area, plant height, and root biomass, while increasing root tissue density and harvest index across genotypes. Despite these structural adjustments, key yield components, including grain yield, were largely maintained. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements revealed clear genotype-specific physiological resp..., , # Alterations in plant architecture and physiology allow maize to sustain yield after early defoliation Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.z8w9ghxtc](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.z8w9ghxtc) ## Description of the data and file structure ### Dataset: Genotype-Specific Responses of Maize to Early Defoliation ### Principal Investigator Contact Information Name: Thiago Corrêa de Souza Institution: Federal University of Alfenas Email: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail]) ## Dataset Overview This dataset documents genotype-specific physiological and morphological responses of maize (*Zea mays L*.) to early canopy defoliation. The data were generated to evaluate how complete defoliation at the V4 stage affects shoot growth, root morphology, chlorophyll fluorescence, and yield components across four maize genotypes grown under controlled conditions. The dataset includes raw, unprocessed measurements collected at the level of individual experimental units. Vari...,玉米（Zea mays L.）对早期脱叶的响应受基因型特异性生理与形态性状调控，解析此类响应对优化育种策略与农艺管理均具有重要意义。本研究针对4个玉米基因型，评估了V4营养生长期（V4 vegetative stage）全冠层脱叶对其地上部生长、根系形态、叶绿素荧光（chlorophyll fluorescence）特性以及产量稳定性的影响。本数据集包含脱叶与非脱叶处理下，各独立实验单元的生长性状、根系特征、叶绿素荧光参数及产量构成因子的实测数据。 整体而言，早期脱叶会降低所有供试基因型的总叶面积、株高与根系生物量，同时提升根系组织密度与收获指数。尽管发生了上述结构性调整，包括籽粒产量在内的核心产量构成因子仍基本得以维持。叶绿素荧光检测结果显示出显著的基因型特异性生理响应……。# 植株结构与生理的适应性变化使玉米在早期脱叶后仍可维持产量 数据集DOI: [10.5061/dryad.z8w9ghxtc](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.z8w9ghxtc) ## 数据与文件结构说明 ### 数据集: 玉米早期脱叶的基因型特异性响应 ### 项目负责人联系方式 姓名: 蒂亚戈·科雷亚·德·索萨（Thiago Corrêa de Souza） 所属机构: 阿尔菲纳斯联邦大学 电子邮箱: [e-mail] ## 数据集概览 本数据集记录了玉米（Zea mays L.）对早期冠层脱叶的基因型特异性生理与形态响应。本数据旨在评估受控环境下4个玉米基因型在V4营养阶段进行全冠层脱叶后，其地上部生长、根系形态、叶绿素荧光特性及产量构成因子的变化情况。数据集包含各独立实验单元采集的原始未处理实测数据，相关信息详见……