Osmotic Adjustment in Maize (Zea mays L.): Changes with Ontogeny and its Relationship with Phenotypic Stability |
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Authors: | J. H. Lemcoff C. A. Chimenti T. A. E. Davezac |
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Abstract: | Genetic variation for osmotic adjustment was examined in a group of maize hybrids during vegetative and silking stages. Estimates of osmotic adjustment were derived from measurements of leaf relative water content (RWC) and osmotic potential (Ψ o ) before day-break. The degree of adjustment was estimated from the In RWC/In Ψ o relationship. All cultivars examined showed some degree of osmotic adjustment and significant differences (P < 0.05) were found among them. The utility of measurements in early vegetative stages as a mean of selection for osmotic adjustment in silking stage was established. A positive tendency was observed between osmotic adjustment and phenotypic stability. |
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Keywords: | Osmotic adjustment phenotypic stability water stress tolerance Zea mays L. |
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