Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes for Yield and Yield Contributing Characters under Drought and Heat Stress Conditions Evaluated at Sudan Savanna, Nigeria

Abstract

Drought stress (DS) and heat stress (HTS) are two major factors limiting maize productivity in the tropical regions. High temperatures and moisture deficit can cause significant decline in maize yields under rainfed and irrigated systems, with Africa being one of the most affected areas. Heat and drought tolerance can be accomplished through genetic management approach. The aim of this research is to assess the degree of variation in tolerance to drought and heat on yield and yield contributing traits. Field trials were conducted on genetic analysis of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines under combined drought and heat stress conditions. The parental materials comprise eight inbred lines that were crossed in a complete diallel pattern and in all possible combinations; thereafter the checks, parents and resultant F1 were evaluated at two locations, i.e., Kano University of Science and Technology and Audu Bako College of Agriculture research farms both in Kano state of Nigeria, during 2021 dry season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The results have shown that the crossing of P4 X P9 and P3 X P4 had produced significantly higher means of yield contributing attributes like grain weight, anthesis-silking interval and grain yield. These parental lines might be used in maize breeding programs in Nigeria as sources of drought and/or heat tolerance to boost maize production, particularly in dry season.