Effects of Water Deficit at Tassel Initiation and Anthesis on Physiological changes of Two Maize (Zea mays L.) Lines.
Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900.
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The objective of the study on the effects of water deficit at tassel initiation and anthesis on physiological changes of two maize (Zea mays L.) lines was to study the effects of water deficit on proline and ABA accumulation, growth, and yield of two maize lines Ki 3 and Ki 11. It was found that water deficit both at tassel initiation and anthesis increased proline and ABA levels in both maize lines. The increase of both proline and ABA was greater in Ki 3 than in Ki 11. After recovery, both proline and ABA level decreased to the control levels. Water deficit at both tassel initiation and anthesis reduced growth and development of both maize lines. The reduction was greater in Ki 3 than in Ki 11. Water deficit at both stages reduced number of seeds per ear and seed weight, consequently reduced yield per plant. Yield of Ki 3 was affected more than of Ki 11. Water deficit at tassel initiation affected proline and ABA accumulation, growth, and yield more than at anthesis in both maize lines. Moreover, it was found that proline and ABA levels had negative correlation with growth and yield of maize.
Janjaree