TITLE:
Simulation of Growth and Leaf Area Index of Quality Protein Maize Varieties in the Southwestern Savannah Region of the DR-Congo
AUTHORS:
Jean Pierre Kabongo Tshiabukole, Roger Kizungu Vumilia, Gertrude Pongi Khonde, Jean Claude Lukombo Lukeba, Amand Mbuya Kankolongo, Antoine Mumba Djamba, Kabwe K. C. Nkongolo
KEYWORDS:
Modeling, Simulation, Climate Change, Leaf Area Index, Quality Protein Maize, INERA RD-Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.10 No.6,
June
19,
2019
ABSTRACT: Logistic and exponential approaches have been used to
simulate plant growth and leaf area index (LAI) in different growing conditions.
The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate an approach to simulate
maize LAI that expresses key physiological and phonological processes using a minimum
entry requirement for Quality Protein maize (QPM) varieties grown in the southwestern
region of the DR-Congo. Data for the development and testing of the model were collected
manually in experimental plots using a non-destructive method. Simulation results
revealed measurable variations between crop seasons (long season A and short season
B) and between the two varieties (Mudishi-1 and Mudishi-3) for height, number of
visible leaves, and LAI. For both seasons, Mudishi-3, a short stature variety was
associated with expected stable yield based on simulation data. In general, the
model simulated reliably all the parameters including the LAI. The LAI value for
mudishi-1 was higher than that of Mudishi-3. There were significant differences
among the model parameters (K, Ti, a, b, Tf) and between the two varieties. In all
crop conditions studied and for the two varieties, the senescence rate (a) was higher,
while the growth rate (b) was lower compared to the estimates based on the STICS
model.