Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Drought induced changes of physio-biochemical parameters in maize

Author(s):

Guang-hua Yin ^1*, Ye-jie Shen ^{2, 3}, Na Tong ^{1, 3}, Jian Gu ¹, Liang Hao ^{1, 2}, Zuo-Xin Liu ¹

Recieved Date: 2011-11-18, Accepted Date: 2012-01-03

Abstract:

The effects of drought stress on the physio-biochemical parameters of several varieties of maize were investigated. A factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications. Results showed that the relative water content (RWC), soluble sugar content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, chlorophyll content, proline content and yield were significantly affected by drought stress. Except for chlorophyll content, all physio-biochemical parameters and yield were significantly affected by maize variety. The interaction between varieties and water scarcity were significant for all traits except for proline and soluble sugar. Increasing water stress caused a progressive reduction in yield, RWC and chlorophyll content but increased the relative content of proline, MDA, soluble sugars and SOD. All tested varieties followed this general trend. Maize variety appeared to affect all studied traits in a statistically significant way. Results indicated that, in addition to chlorophyll content, other physio-biochemical traits could be used to predict the drought tolerance of maize varieties. Xianfeng32D22, Damin338 and Liaodan565 showed higher RWC, soluble sugar content and SOD activity, lower MDA content and better yield than other varieties under drought conditions; they therefore can be considered as more tolerant to drought stress.

Keywords:

Maize, soil moisture, drought resistance, physio-biochemical parameters

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2012
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Category: Environment
Pages: 853-858

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