Radiation use efficiency and biomass production of maize under optimal growth conditions in Northeast China

Accurate crop growth and radiation use efficiency (RUE) measurements under optimal growth conditions are required to predict grain yield near the genetic growth potential and estimate climate change effects on crop production. Research was conducted to quantify RUE of maize during the whole growth period, vegetative period (VP, phenological development stage DVS < 1.0), and reproductive period (RP, DVS ≥ 1.0) under the optimal growth condition in Northeast China. Maize was grown in three population density treatments (9.0, 7.5, and 6.0 plants m−2, referred to HD, MD, and LD respectively) over three growing seasons (2017–2019). The maximum Leaf Area Index (LAI) was observed after the anthesis period (DVS = 1.2), ranged from to 4.9 to 6.9, and then gradually decreases. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intercepted by the canopy of maize was approximate 10% during the early stage of the vegetative period (DVS < 0.3). Then greatest differences occurred during the late vegetative period (DVS = 0.3 to 0.8). When DVS > 1.0, there is no significant difference between the three population density conditions. Estimates of RUE were obtained based on the intercepted PAR (IPAR) and absorbed PAR (APAR). RUE value was 3.97 g MJ−1 APAR or 3.73 g MJ−1 IPAR in the whole growth period, and did not vary among density treatments. Moreover, maximum RUE occurred during VP (4.11 g MJ−1 APAR) and declined during RP (3.95 g MJ−1 APAR). Therefore, we recommend that maize models that rely on RUE for aboveground biomass accumulation should be using a value of 3.97 g MJ−1 APAR for predicting optimum maize grain yield in Northeast China, especially for the potential yield.