Assessment of drought tolerance in six maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) using biochemical indices

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) variety has diverse genetic characters; hence this study was led to assess drought tolerance of maize variety subjected to well water and water stress environments. Drought is one of major factor that results thoughtful influence plant development as well as productivity. The outcome becomes severe where rain fed agriculture is practiced. Evaluation of variety that can better tolerate such condition can help for selection and are important in reducing associated crop loss. The study was performed in greenhouse using CRD with three replications. Six maize varieties MH-140, Melkassa-2 (MH-2), Melkassa-3 (MH-3), Melkassa-4 (MH-4), Melkassa-6Q and MHQ138 developed by Melkassa Agricultural Research Center (MARC) were used and grown in normal and water scarce condition. The collected data were leaf proline, chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, relative water content, leaf nitrogen content, protein content specific leaf area, specific leaf weight. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using SAS 9.4 software. Mean comparisons were implemented using LSD test at P < 0.01. The study outcomes revealed that high SLA and SLW value was recorded for, Melkassa-4 (MH-4) whereas, MHQ138 is recorded lower value. Leaf proline, chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, relative water content, leaf nitrogen (N) content and protein content, value had revealed Melkassa-4 the most drought tolerant variety whereas MHQ138 is the least drought tolerant variety among the maize varieties used in this research study.