RESPONSE OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) GENOTYPES GROWTH CHARACTERS UNDER DROUGHT AND HEAT STRESS CONDITIONS EVALUATED IN SUDAN SAVANNA, NIGERIA

Drought stress and heat stress are two major limiting factors affecting maize productivity in the tropical regions. High temperatures and changes in rainfall pattern can cause significant decline in maize yields under rain fed conditions with Africa being one of the worst affected areas. Heat tolerance can be accomplished through genetic management approach. The aim of the research is to assess the extent of variation in tolerance to drought stress and heat tolerant stress and their performance on growth and yield characters. The trials were conducted on genetic analysis of Maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines under combined (drought and heat stress) conditions. The parental materials comprises eight inbred lines that were crossed in a partial diallel pattern; thereafter, the checks, parents and resultant F1 generations were evaluated at two locations, Kano University of Science and Technology and farmers field at Dambatta local government area Kano state during 2021 dry seasons. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The results indicated the crossing of P4 X P9 and P3 X P4 to produce significantly to produce significantly better growth attributes like plant height ear height, plant aspect and grain yield. These parental lines might be used in maize breeding programs in Nigeria as sources of drought and or heat tolerance.