XVI International Botanical Congess

Soil temperature plays a key role, being decisive in maize's early installation, where low temperatures increase birth risks and other initial growth stages risks. The root system of maize and the relation with aerial growth was studied under different soil temperatures in the initial stages of growth of five cultivars with wide diffusion (Dk669, C260, 4F37, AX699 y A950). The trials were conducted in controlled conditions. The greatest values of aerial biomass (BA) and root dry matter production (MSR.) were obtained under elevated temperature conditions. Contrarily, the lowest temperature determined smallest values of BA and MSR. The plant and root system growth were correlated, but at low temperatures the relation MSR./BA increased in some genotypes. This situation would contribute to minimize the risk for crop establishment in early sowing.