Enhancing maize radiation use efficiency under high planting density by shaping canopy architecture with a plant growth regulator

Optimized maize (Zea mays L.) canopy architecture enhances density-tolerance. DHEAP [N, N-Diethyl-2-hexanoyl oxygen radicals-ethyl amine (2-ethyl chloride) phosphonic acid salt] has been shown to increase maize upper canopy strata compactness, but its overall effect on the whole canopy structure and how it shapes the canopy structure remain unclear. This study examined how DHEAP affected the canopy structure of maize hybrids Zhengdan958 and Xianyu335, with distinct canopy structures, under different planting densities. The results showed that DHEAP increased the leaf orientation value (LOV) of upper canopy strata by 8.0% while reducing middle and lower strata LOV by 11.7% and 18.4%, respectively. This indicates that DHEAP shaped a canopy structure that was compact in the upper strata and loose in the middle and lower strata. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that leaf angle had a greater impact on the upper maize canopy strata, while leaf auricle size had a greater impact on the middle and lower canopy strata. After DHEAP treatment, light transmission above different canopy strata increased at the reproductive stage. Concurrently, the mid-canopy captured more light energy, enhanced yield formation, and boosted radiation use efficiency by 21.9% under high density. In terms of grain yield, DHEAP treatment resulted in a 9.1% and 23.9% increase in Zhengdan958 and Xianyu335, respectively, under high-density conditions. These results suggest that DHEAP shaped the maize canopy structure with high density tolerance, improved the distribution of light within the canopy, and improved maize grain yield.