Heterosis of Agronomical and Physiological Characteristics Related to Flooding Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

      This study was conducted to investigatethe heterosis of agronomical traits relating to flooding tolerance in 10 maize hybrids derived from 7 parental inbred lines. The flooding treatments were applied artificially at seedling stage (3 - 4 leaves) in field conditions for one week. There was positive relationship of root length, SPAD value, dry matter accumulation and flooding tolerance ability in maize plant. Positive heterosis was found for SPAD, dry matter accumulation and grain yield under flooding stress conditions. Better growth and higher SPAD value under flooding conditions of D1xD3, D1xD4 and D2xD5 might contribute to the higher yields of these hybrids compared with others.