Screening Effect of Fodder Maize Varieties under Water Stress Conditions

Abstract

One of the most critical limiting factors of plant productivity, especially arid and semi-arid environments is soil and water salinity. In Pakistan, salinity has a significant impact on soil in a variety of fields. During 2018-19 growing season, the current research was done at the National Agriculture Council, Islamabad, Pakistan. Sixty distinct cultivar/hybrid seeds were tested in this study from Punjab research institutes. On the basis of superior performing morphological traits, sixty top ten drought tolerant fodder maize cultivars/hybrids were screened. Sohni Dharti-623, Pahari, Afgoi, Sarhad, C905, Zaitoon maize -7786, Sarhad yellow, PSHW_404 hybrid white, NCEV7004 and YH-5536 had the best survival rates. Screened fodder maize genotypes were additionally treated with polythene glycol 4000, 6000 and 8000 at different levels of drought stress (PEG @ 0,6 and 12%). The fresh weight of maize was found to be highest in Sohni Dharti-623 under control followed by Pahari. Sohni Dhari-262 had the longest root and shoot lengths with the control treatment followed by Pahari respectively