Physiological characterization of maize inbred lines under moisture deficit condition

Drought is considered to be one of the major abiotic stress factors that severely limit grain yield, often causing extensive economic loss to agriculture. Improving drought tolerance in maize has become one of the top priorities in maize breeding programs. Identification of drought tolerant maize inbreeds is therefore an step in maize breeding. Nine inbred lines e.g., UMARKOTE-3, CML-411, CML-122, CML-40, CML-27, CML-336, CML-191, CLO-2450 and CAL-1415 were identified to have higher level of drought tolerance. Tolerant inbred lines maintained higher chlorophyll content, SPAD value, chlorophyll stability index, cell membrane stability index, relative water content and comparatively higher grain yield when subjected to drought stress. These inbreeds also showed lower leaf senescence and rolling. In contrast, CML-161 and CML-300 were most sensitive and recorded lowest grain yield among the inbreed lines under moisture deficit. Drought tolerant inbred lines identified in this study are intended for utilization as potential donors for development of maize hybrids suitable for water deficit condition.