Root phenological and physiological response of maize (Zea mays L.) For adaptation under drought stress at vegetative and reproductive stages

Drought stress is known to negatively affect vegetative growth and biomass production, as well as the development of reproductive organs and yield characteristics in maize. The crop root systems are crucial for adaptability to various biotic and abiotic stresses, but studies addressing this are quite limited. The experiment was conducted simultaneously in both glasshouse and field condition during summer 2022 at TNAU, Coimbatore. The study was focussed to assess the root system architecture (RSA) of the drought tolerant and drought susceptible hybrids using PVC cylinders by imposing stress at V4 stage and root pulled out from the fieldby imposing stress at V14 stage. The results from the study showed that the significant variation was observed in both latter vegetative and mature root system under drought stress. Apart, the reduction in relative water content, SPAD values and increase of proline content were observed. The photosynthetic rate and gas exchange parameters were decreased upon exposure to drought stress. On considering, the hybrid N10–51 × DQL80 can accumulate osmolytes, maintaining tissue water potential and photosynthetic functionality for longer time when compared to other hybrids. This hybrid also exhibited the deep rooting ability with high yield under drought stress. Hence, it was identified as the drought tolerant hybrid and could be commercialized after testing their yield stability.