Stress Indices: Exploring the Selection tool against Waterlogging-Tolerant Maize Inbred Lines in Early Segregating Generations
Stress Indices as tool for selection the lines against stress
Abstract
Waterlogging significantly hampers maize (Zea mays L.) growth and productivity, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where poor soil drainage and prolonged seasonal rainfall cause substantial crop losses. To address this issue, we focused on developing waterlogging-tolerant maize varieties capable of maintaining high yields under both normal and stress conditions. For this we have crossed WL tolerant line (I 185) with WL susceptible lines (SE 565) followed by selfing F1, F2 and F2:3. Phenotypic evaluation was done in F2:3 population having population size 154 in water logged treatment at Knee height stage and flowering stage for 6 days along with control. Based on yield attributes, key indices such as WL tolerance index, mean productivity, and stress tolerance index and yield stability Index were calculated. Through correlation and principal component analysis, five superior genotypes viz., line number viz., 113, 147, 19, 112 and 139 were identified as waterlogging-tolerant. These promising candidates will further maintained and lines tolerant WL will be developed which can be further used by breeders in their breeding program.
