Genetic and environmental effects on abscisic acid accumulation in leaves of field-grown maize

Abstract

This study analyzes the components of phenotypic variation for abscisic acid (ABA) content in maize (Zea mays L.) leaves and the correlations with drought sensitivity index (DSI) and silk delay (SD), involved in the reaction to water deficit. Eight early- and seven medium-maturity inbreds were examined in field trials: in 1990 with low irrigation volume and in 1991 with low and high irrigation volumes. ABA concentration and DSI were investigated at growth stages (S) corresponding to stem elongation (S3), appearance of the first husks (S4), and mid-end of silking (S5). The ABA concentration was significantly higher in conditions of water deficit and in the later growth stage. The genetic component for ABA concentration attained higher relative values than those shown by DSI in the same growth stages and by SD; moreover, it increased from growth stage 3 to stage 5. The genotype × year and genotype × irrigation volume interactions were smaller for ABA concentration than for DSI and SD. The broad sense heritability on a plant basis, estimated in drought conditions, for ABA concentration ranged from 21.4 to 55.1% according to maturity group and growth stage. A wide variation was observed among lines for ABA concentration: the medium-maturity group showed a three-fold range (from 219 to 605 ng ABA g−1 dry weight). No clear relationships between ABA concentration, DSI and SD were found. These results indicate the feasibility of a selection for ABA concentration within segregating populations derived from crosses between the inbred lines herein tested.