Stress Reactions of Maize Genotypes to Drought Stress at Different Phenophases and Recovery

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Maize (Zea mays L.) cultivated worldwide, is often exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses affecting productivity. We evaluated three maize genotypes, SNJ201126, Z10115 and HKI161 for morpho-physiological, biochemical and anti-oxidative enzyme related traits under well watered control and drought stress conditions. Plants were subjected to different intensity of drought stress inside rainout shelter. The genotypes SNJ201126 and Z10115 maintained higher relative water content, chlorophyll, proline and canopy temperature depression and higher activities of antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, guiacol peroxidase, and glutathione reductase as compared to HKI161 under stress conditions. All genotypes showed a decreasing trend for these traits with the increasing severity of stresses. Stress recovery was better in SNJ201126 and Z10115 when compared to HKI161. The variation in physiological and enzymatic activities between genotypes was also reflected in their differences in yield and its attributes. The higher drought tolerance and recovery capability of SNJ201126 and Z10115 were associated with more effective maintenance of leaf water status and efficient antioxidative systems to protect themselves from oxidative damage which is critical to withstand and survive the rapidly changing climate.