Evaluation of three maize (Zea mays L.) varieties for drought tolerance at reproductive stage in greenhouse

Koffi David Montcho Hambada a, ?, Benjamin Datinon b, Bernice Debouto a, Gilles Chodaton a, Thierry Hodehou b, Ben Aly Alamou a, Clément Agbangla

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important food and feed crops in the world. But its production is faced by many constraints such as drought. This study aimed to
identify drought tolerant maize varieties. Three maize varieties were evaluated based on three irrigation frequencies. Experiment was conducted in randomized block
design with 3 replications. Three treatments namely T0 (control) was watered constantly, T1 and T2 stressed plants were watered continuously until they bolted. At bolting,
the stressed plants were irrigated at the following frequency: every 6 days (T1) and every 12 days (T2). Fertilizer was applied. Reproduction and yield component
parameters were evaluated. Performance of the Stability Index (SPI) and Stress Tolerance Index (STI) were also calculated. Data collected were subjected to one- or two-
factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were compared using the Student, Newman, and Keuls test. Statistical analyses were performed using the ''JMP Pro 12''
software. Results showed that under different irrigation frequencies, FAABA variety recorded a high value for weight of 100 grains (W100g) (33.980±2.90), Stress
Tolerance Index (STI) (0.752±0.23) and Stability Performance Index (SPI) (0.752±0.23). Based on Stress Tolerance Index (STI) value, AK 94 variety was the most affected
(sensitive) by water deficit contrary to FAABA variety which was the least affected (tolerant). Only SYNEE 2000 variety was moderate, as it has an intermediate behaviour.