The distribution of. current assimilates was studied in two maize varieties grown in the derived savannah ecological zone in Nigeria. At the initial stages of growth, the stem attracted the bulk of current assimilates. However, after silking the bulk of the current assimilates was in the ears. There was a considerable loss in stem dry weight towards the end of the growing period, and this period coincided with the time of high dry matter accumulation in the grains. The magnitude of the loss was such that it could not all be attributed to loss through respiration, giving an indication of remobilization of stem assimilates towards the end of the growing period. From the results it is being suggested that while the bulk of the dry matter in maize grains is produced after flowering, stored assimilates in the stem also contribute to the grains in the tropics, a situation similar to that already reported for temperate maize varieties.

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