Tassels and the Productivity of Maize¹

Shading of underlying leaves by maize tassels probably reduces photosynthetic rates in the community and hence the grain yields. The shading effect is small at low plant populations but increases with plant density. Tassel size varies with plant population and variety. The area of shade cast by a single tassel varies with sun angle. Possible effects of tassel shading on grain yield are estimated by computer simulation.