Endophytic and rhizobacteria functionalities in alleviating drought stress in maize plants

Drought stress is among the significant forms of abiotic stresses that unfavourably affects maize survival as well as the development from germination to maturity. This paper, therefore, reviewed drought stress effects in maize plants and expatiated on the plausible adoptable mitigation measures to employ in curbing these effects as well. Water shortage prompts drought stress that alters the morphological, physiological and biochemical activities in maize plants. The major drought stress implications on the plant's survival are mostly in the area of altered metabolic functions, inclu-ding nutrient metabolism, cell membrane integrity, water relationships, plant yield, photosynthetic processes, osmotic adjustment, and the pigment content. Mitigating strategies, such as the breeding of drought-tolerant varieties, genomic applications for drought tolerance enhancement in maize plants, as well as the use of rhizobacteria and endophytic bac-teria, can be employed in alleviating drought stress and ensuring optimal maize productivity.

Automated summary

Drought stress negatively affects maize survival and development from germination to maturity. It alters morphological, physiological, and biochemical activities in maize plants, significantly impacting metabolic functions, membrane integrity, water relationships, yield, photosynthesis, osmotic adjustment, and pigment content. Mitigation measures include breeding drought-tolerant varieties, genomic applications for enhancing drought tolerance, and the use of rhizobacteria and endophytic bacteria to ensure optimal maize productivity.