Leaf senescence is typically associated with loss of chlorophyll and decline in photosynthetic capacity. The objectives of this study were: (i) to quantify the relationship between chlorophyll (SPAD) and soluble-carbohydrate concentrations in maize (Zea mays L.) leaves during leaf senescence and (ii) to examine whether this relationship differed between an old and a recent maize hybrid. Field experiments were conducted in 1995 at two locations. A range of leaf soluble-carbohydrate concentrations and SPAD values was obtained through various source-manipulation of source activity by defoliation and thinning. Defoliation treatments were imposed at 3, 4, and 5 weeks after silking. The thinning treatment was imposed at 3 weeks after silking. Two maize hybrids were composed: Pride 5 (old) and Pioneer 3902 (recent). Leaves at three leaf positions, near the topmost ear and the ear internode were sampled at weekly intervals, from 3 weeks after silking until visual completion of leaf senescence. Leaf and internode soluble-carbohydrate concentration declined following defoliation, although the response in leaves was delayed compared to that in the stem, SPAD readings and soluble-carbohydrate concentrations were positively correlated below a plateau value of 55 mg glucose equivalents g(-1) leaf. The correlation between SPAD and soluble-carbohydrate concentration was similar for the old and recent maize hybrid. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.