Effect of thermal and water stress on growth, biomass and yield of native corn in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
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Abstract
Objective: The effect of thermal and water stress on growth, biomass production and yield in native corn (Zea mays L.) was evaluated.
Design/methodology/approach: The study grouped 17 native corn cultivars. Heat unit accumulation, leaf area growth, yield, total biomass dry weight, and other dry matter characteristics were evaluated. Individual analyses of variance and correlation were performed using SAS® statistical software. Means were compared using the Tukey test (P≤0.05).
Results: The effect of thermal and water stress allowed to observe a significant variation in the growth of the leaf area and production of dry matter and yield of native corn; on average, better expression was obtained through the genotypes Saak dzit baakal and Kȁn Kȁn xnuc naal that presented greater growth, biomass and yield based on thermal and water stress.
Limitations on study/implications: The study was limited to the application of water stress during the vegetative stage; it is suggested to cause stress during the reproductive stage.
Findings/conclusions: The native corns Saak dzit baakal and Kȁn Kȁn xnuc naal showed greater tolerance to thermal and water stress by presenting greater acclimatization that allowed them to present greater growth, biomass production and grain yield.