Invinsa Application to Reduce Water Stress Effects on Corn Growth and Yield at Maricopa, AZ, 2011

Abstract

Invinsa blocks ethylene perception by plants and can reduce the negative effects of water stress on crop growth. The objective of this study is to measure the effect on corn growth and yield of Invinsa application at incipient water stress. A study was conducted at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center where Invinsa was applied on 15 June and 20 June in blocks with adequate irrigation or deficit irrigation, which received no irrigation water for 10 days past incipient stress beginning on 15 June. Invinsa had inconsistent effects on corn growth and yield. The most notable effect of Invinsa, however, was an increase in total plant yield from 11.09 to13.43 t/a measured on 23 July and from 11.36 to 13.61 t/a measured on 13 Aug in the adequate irrigation block for Invinsa application on 15 June. However, Invinsa had no effect on final grain yield. The lack of a consistent response to Invinsa may be explained by the higher than optimum temperature at time of application or other unknown factors.