GERMINATION OF SEEDS FROM CREOLE MAIZE (Zea mays L.) VARIETIES UNDER WATER DEFICIT

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate and select Creole maize (Zea mays L.) varieties for tolerance to germination and other morphological characteristics of the seedlings under water deficit. Forty-two (42) varieties collected in areas with recurring drought in Chiapas, México, were evaluated. The study was carried out in the Plant Physiology lab of INIFAP’s Central Chiapas Experimental Field. The water deficit was induced with polyethylene glycol PM 8000 (SIGMA) at a concentration of 12.5 g in 100 ml of water, originating a water deficit of -5 baryes. A completely random experimental design with four repetitions was used. The variance analysis detected significant statistical differences between Creole varieties for percentage of germination, length of the coleoptile, length of the mesocotyl, and total dry weight of the seedling, under water deficit, indicating great genetic variability between them. The following Creole varieties were selected: Olotillo, Azul, Amarillo, Tuxpeño, Jarocho and Rocamex, because of their higher tolerance to germination and morphological characteristics under water deficit, which should be used in the programs for genetic improvement for drought tolerance in the subhumid warm region of Chiapas and other regions with similar climate.