Titel: Evaluation of maize testcross hybrid performance under low and high phosphorus fertilization.
Abstract:
The over-fertilization of phosphorus, in the form of phosphate, can cause severe environmental problems. Furthermore, phosphorus is a non-renewable resource. To minimize environmental pollution and address future phosphorus scarcity, breeding crops with enhanced phosphorus use efficiency is a promising solution. In this presentation, I will share the results of a trial in which a diverse panel of 588 maize testcross hybrids was compared under two fertilization treatments: With and without the fertilization of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). As excepted, omitting the DAP fertilization resulted in a significant decrease in plant height, biomass as well as delayed flowering. Surprisingly, the omission led to an increase in grain yield in some of the testcross genotypes. In my presentation, I will discuss how common agricultural practices may be challenged under future climate scenarios that are starting to emerge now and how implementing landrace accessions could help with breeding for reduced phosphate fertilization.
Biography:
I have been a Ph.D. student at the Institute of Plant Breeding at the University of Hohenheim since October 2024. My Ph.D. project is part of the Sino-German project, "Adaptation of Maize-Based Food-Feed-Energy Systems to Limited Phosphate Resources," or AMAIZE-P. Within this project, I investigate the effects of reduced phosphate fertilization on testcross hybrids and how to apply these results to practical breeding programs.I have been a Ph.D. student at the Institute of Plant Breeding at the University of Hohenheim since October 2024. My Ph.D. project is part of the Sino-German project, "Adaptation of Maize-Based Food-Feed-Energy Systems to Limited Phosphate Resources," or AMAIZE-P. Within this project, I investigate the effects of reduced phosphate fertilization on testcross hybrids and how to apply these results to practical breeding programs.
