Morphological Traits and Grain Yield of Maize Hybrids under Water Stress at Reproductive Stages

Abstract

A split plot experiment (using RCB design) with four replications was conducted, in order to evaluate the response of morphological traits and yield of 14 maize hybrids to water stress at field conditions. Main plots included three different irrigation treatment (40, 70 and 120 mm evaporation from class A) and sub plots included 14 maize hy- brids. Results showed water stress significantly reduced plants height, leaf number per plant, flag leaf area, ear length, ear diameter, row number per ear, grain number per row, grain weight, grain yield and harvest index. Maize plants under middle water stress and severe water stress conditions had about 18.47 and 34.78 % low grain yield in comparison to control plants, respectively. Hybrids SC700 and SC704 had maximum height and FLA. The most leaf number per plant, row number per ear and grain yield were recorded from SC500 and K3647xK18. Max- imum leaf number per plant was caused this hybrid have less harvest index, however grain yield of this hybrid was more than other hybrids. Grain yield had positive and significant correlation with plant height, leaf number per plant, ear length, row number per ear, grain number per row and grain weight. It is, therefore, essential to provide sufficient water during flowering and grain filling stages in order to prevent yield loss in maize hybrids and SC500 was superior hybrids under this research conditions.