Abstract:

【Objective】 The present study was to choose drought-resistance indexes of maize in different growing period and establish a resistance evaluation system. 【Method】 Seven indexes were tested at seeding stage treated with different concentrations of solution PEG-6000, and twenty-four indexes were tested at growth stage treated with drought-stress and non-stress treatments in the PVC shed and drought shed.【Result】According to the results of simple relative analyses, nine indexes selected including germination drought resistance index of seed and relative germination energy under the condition of 20% PEG-6000 drought stress, GDRI and relative germination energy under the condition of 15% PEG-6000 drought stress, relative value of leaf water potential at seeding stage, leaf water conservation, kernel per row, axis weight per plant and 100-grain weight, they were correlated with drought resistance coefficient or drought resistance index at P≤0.05 and P≤0.01 level. Stepwise regression analysis was conducted between the relative value of nine indexes and drought resistance coefficient and drought resistance index. The result showed that relative germination energy under the condition of 20% PEG-6000 drought stress, relative value of leaf water potential at seeding stage, leaf water conservation, kernel per row and 100-grain weight significantly influenced the drought resistance. According to these indexes and partial relative coefficient, drought-resistance evaluation equation (D value) and evaluation system was established. 【Conclusion】 The five indexes could be selected as identification indexes for drought resistance in maize. Using D value equation to evaluate the drought resistance of maize is considered scientifically reliable.

Key words: maize, drought resistance, drought resistance index, evaluation system