A REVIEW ON DROUGHT TOLERANCE AND EFFECTS IN MAIZE

Abstract

Drought is a situation that occurs when there is a prolonged period of exceptionally low rainfall, resulting in water scarcity. It is one of the most significant factors contributing to serious crop output deficits in developing countries. Tiny, broad branches, tiny tassels, elevated leaves, delayed senescence, low root biomass, and a deep root system all seem to be characteristics of this plant. with a small lateral root are all features that seem to be likely selected in maize breeding for enhanced drought tolerance. Tolerant genotypes should have strong spikelet and kernel growth, as well as adequate osmotic adjustment to help retain water in cells under drought, during the cell division, and expansion-growth stages. This does not completely stifle root and ear growth, and leaf survival is better despite the lack of water. As a consequence of comprehensive dissections of drought tolerance features in maize over the last century, numerous QTLs linked to drought tolerance in maize have been revealed(Ribaut et al., 2009).Drought-related yield reduction in maize (Zea mays L.) arise anticipated to boost when temperatures rise and rainfall distribution changes as a result of global climate change in popular traditional producing areas. The effectiveness of traditional crop development for drought tolerance has served as a benchmark against which new genetic approaches must be measured for the past 50 years. Resulting in higher yield potential and kernel set, faster silk effort, and less barrenness, selection based on performance in multi-environment trials (MET) has increased grain output under drought, though at a slower rate than under optimal conditions.