Analysis on Heat Characteristics for Summer Maize Cropping in a Semi-Arid Region

Heat stress during flowering is a critical limitation for summer maize production. However, the incidence of heat varies with years and locations, it poses great risk to successful reproduction kernel setting. Therefore, essential provide sound quantification occurrence in relation growth development. Here, we analyzed characteristics based on climate data over 60 Huaibei Plain, China. The effective accumulated temperature showed slight interannual variation. average maximum (T¯max) was 32 °C–33 °C, which approximately 2 °C higher than that whole growing season. probability (P) daily Tmax > 33 closer 50% this ranged between 37 °C. five levels from normal extreme were defined. Across six studied sites, mild level accounted most incidents (P, 25–50%), followed by moderate 13–25%) severe 0.5–13%), minimum 0.5%). Four phases bracketing development given, i.e., 1 week prior anthesis, anthesis-silking, 1week post silking. There greater anthesis silking compared other developmental stages. Additionally, grain yield slightly increased increase but declined as surpassed In conclusion, pattern quantified flowering. These findings assist advise cropping strategies semi-arid semi-humid China or similar regions.