Thermal Stresses in Maize: Effects and Management Strategies

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Physiology
• Climate Change Adaptation

Background:

• Climate change poses a significant threat to global maize productivity and grain quality.
• Maize growth and yield are highly sensitive to suboptimal temperatures during critical developmental stages.
• Temperature extremes, both high and low, adversely affect maize's morpho-physiological, biochemical, and nutritional traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the detrimental effects of high and low temperature stresses on maize crop traits.
• To discuss current and potential strategies for mitigating temperature stress impacts on maize.
• To highlight challenges and future perspectives in developing climate-resilient maize varieties.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on temperature stress effects on maize.
• Analysis of morpho-physiological, biochemical, and nutritional responses to temperature extremes.
• Examination of various coping strategies, including cultural practices, breeding, and molecular approaches.

Main Results:

• High temperatures impair pollen viability and silk receptivity, reducing seed setting and yield.
• Low temperatures disrupt growth rate, photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation, and cellular functions, limiting productivity.
• Identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes offer targets for developing stress-tolerant maize cultivars.

Conclusions:

• Temperature extremes significantly reduce maize productivity and quality, necessitating adaptive strategies.
• Breeding programs incorporating genetic resources and advanced techniques like genome editing are crucial for developing climate-resilient maize.
• Overcoming challenges in resource allocation, scientific collaboration, and phenotyping is vital for future maize improvement.