Alterations in plant architecture and physiology allow maize to sustain yield after early defoliation
Data files
Jan 12, 2026 version files 36.34 KB
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de_Oliveira_et_al_Data.xlsx
30.77 KB
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README.md
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Abstract
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 responses over time. Under defoliation, the hybrid KWS9606 VIP3 showed enhanced photochemical efficiency at 9 days after defoliation (DAD) and increased photochemical quenching (qP) at 17 and 24 DAD, whereas BRS1010 exhibited consistently higher qP under defoliation across all sampling dates, indicating greater openness of PSII reaction centers. In contrast, NPQ responses varied among genotypes without a consistent pattern, reflecting distinct energy dissipation strategies, while NS90 PRO2 displayed limited physiological sensitivity to defoliation. Multivariate analysis further highlighted trade-offs between morphological and physiological traits, with root-related variables contributing most strongly to the first principal component and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters influencing the second. Overall, these data document contrasting response strategies among maize genotypes exposed to early defoliation and provide a robust basis for investigating mechanisms underlying tolerance to foliar loss while maintaining yield stability.
Dataset DOI: 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: thiago.souza@unifal-mg.edu.br
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. Variables comprise shoot growth traits, root morphological parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence indicators measured at 9, 17, and 24 days after defoliation, and yield-related traits measured at harvest. Data were collected under defoliated and non-defoliated conditions, allowing direct comparison of genotype × defoliation responses. All observations are provided in a single spreadsheet file, where each row corresponds to one pot representing a unique genotype × defoliation × replicate combination. These data capture structural, physiological, and yield-related adjustments associated with early leaf loss and support analyses of acclimation strategies that allow maize plants to maintain yield stability under defoliation stress.
Experimental Design and Data Collection
The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions using a completely randomized block design. Four maize genotypes were evaluated under two defoliation levels (defoliated and non-defoliated), with multiple biological replicates per treatment. Defoliation consisted of complete removal of the canopy at the V4 growth stage. Each experimental unit consisted of one pot containing a single plant. The same pots were followed over time for repeated measurements of leaf area and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Growth, root, and yield traits were measured once per experimental unit at predefined developmental stages.
Files and variables
File: de_Oliveira_et_al_Data.xlsx
Description: This Excel file contains raw experimental data collected to evaluate genotype-specific responses of maize (Zea mays L.) to early canopy defoliation. The dataset includes individual measurements from four maize genotypes grown under defoliated and non-defoliated conditions. Variables encompass shoot growth traits, root morphological parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence measurements taken at multiple time points after defoliation, and yield-related components measured at harvest. Each row represents one experimental unit (one pot), corresponding to a unique combination of genotype, defoliation treatment, and replicate. Data are reported as original observations without statistical processing.
Variables
- Experimental factors
- FACTOR_I: Maize genotype (BRS1010, BRS1055, KWS9606 VIP3, NS90 PRO2)
- FACTOR_II: Defoliation condition (Control/non-defoliated or Defoliation)
- Leaf area and shoot growth
- LA_8DAD, LA_11DAD, LA_19DAD, LA_22, LA_35DAD, LA_49DAD: Leaf area measured at different days after defoliation (DAD)
- Stem_diameter: Stem diameter (mm)
- Plant_height: Plant height (cm)
- Total_dry_mass: Total plant dry mass (g)
- Yield components
- Ears_per_plant: Number of ears per plant
- Ear_weight: Ear weight (g)
- Ear_length: Ear length (cm)
- Rows_per_ear: Number of kernel rows per ear
- Kernels_per_row: Number of kernels per row
- Kernel_number: Total number of kernels per ear
- Weight_100_grains: Weight of 100 grains (g)
- Grain_weight: Grain weight per plant (g)
- Grain_yield: Grain yield per plant (g)
- Harvest_index: Ratio of grain yield to total aboveground biomass (%)
- Root morphological traits
- LENGTH_C: Total root length (cm)
- SURFAREA: Total root surface area (cm²)
- AVGDIA: Average root diameter (mm)
- ROOTVOL: Root volume (cm³)
- SA_VERY_THIN, SA_THIN, SA_THICK, V_VERY_THIN, V_THIN, V_THICK: Root surface area and volume partitioned by diameter classes
- SRL: Specific root length (cm g⁻¹)
- RTD: Root tissue density (g cm⁻³)
- Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (measured at 9, 17, and 24 days after defoliation)
- Fv_Fm_9, Fv_Fm_17, Fv_Fm_24: Maximum quantum efficiency of PSII
- Y_II_9, Y_II_17, Y_II_24: Effective quantum yield of PSII
- qP_9, qP_17, qP_24: Photochemical quenching coefficient
- NPQ_9, NPQ_17, NPQ_24: Non-photochemical quenching
- Y_NPQ_9, Y_NPQ_17, Y_NPQ_24: Quantum yield of regulated non-photochemical energy dissipation
- Y_NO_9, Y_NO_17, Y_NO_24: Quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation
Code/software
The data can be opened and viewed using Microsoft Excel (version 2016 or later) or any compatible open-source spreadsheet software, such as LibreOffice Calc or Google Sheets.
Access information
Other publicly accessible locations of the data:
- Not applicable. This dataset is not available in any other public repository.
Data was derived from the following sources:
- Not applicable. All data were generated by the authors as part of the experimental study described in the associated manuscript.