Response of maize varieties to drought stress at different phenological stages in Ethiopia

Moisture deficit throughout growth significantly reduced the vegetative growth and increased the time to tasseling of three varieties, without much effect on the days to silking. A water deficit one week before tasseling delayed silking but not tasseling. The grain yield was significantly affected by all water deficits, especially before tasseling. Variety Katumani endured drought stress by maintaining its vegetative growth at the expense of grain yield, whereas ACV‐6 significantly reduced its vegetative growth and sustained its grain yield. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd