RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE AND YIELD UNDER DEFICIT IRRIGATION IN MAIZE (Zea mays L.)

This study was conducted to evaluate the adaptability of maize hybrids under water deficit condition by measuring of stomatal conductance with the corresponding yield of maize hybrids. Seven maize hybrids were grown at two different irrigation regimes (well water and deficit water conditions) at the agricultural research area of Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey. The results of study indicated that at drought stress (deficit water) remarkably influenced maize yield. The hybrid Sancia produced maximum grain yield under water deficient condition while 71May69 hybrid achieved the higher yield under well-watered condition. Stomatal conductance was strongly correlated with grain yield in this study and higher stomatal conductance indicates higher grain yield, higher stomatal conductance at 7 days after pollination helps to increase grain yield. A positive and significant correlation between grain yield and stomatal conductance was observed at 7th and 21st days after anthesis (DAA). Moderately high stomatal conductance under stress condition helps to produce the highest grain yield. Based on the results, stomatal conductance can be used as selection criterion to identify the drought stress genotypes in maize under Mediterranean condition.