Evaluation of maize (Zea mays) inbred lines for tolerance to low temperature stress under field conditions

Abstract

In northern India, cold spell is experienced at early vegetative stage. Tolerance to cold in inbred lines is important to ensure seed production in rabi season. Sixty-six inbred lines of Indian maize program were evaluated for their tolerance to low temperature stress under field conditions. Maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines of Bajaura Centre (BJIM 2780, BJIM 08-100, BJIM 10-1 and BJIM 10-35) and Almora Centre (V 366, V 384, V 351, V 382 and V 378) performed better with minimum leaf yellowing and good plant growth under the cold stress. Inbreds lines BJIM 10- 35, BJIM 10-43, BJIM 10-37, V 364, V 404, V 390, LM 14 and BML 6 exhibited high reduction in yellowing of leaves coupled with fast growth recovery. Expression of yellowing of leaves and plant growth showed significant negative correlation. Yellowing of leaves and recovery of plant growth due to cold spell were important parameters for cold tolerance at early vegetative stage in maize.