MAIZE RESPONSE TO WATER DEFICIT

The influence of drought on maize hybrids was studied through one line source sprinkler system. Six maize hy-brids were used in this investigation conducted in the years 1994 — 1996, the droughtest period of the last time. The plant water consumption under dryland conditions had values ranging between 259.4 mm (hybrid Danubiu) and 389.2 mm (hybrid Robust). The highest reduction of plant water consumption under dryland conditions was 40.2% (Danubiu), as a mechanism of maize stress adaptation. Under limited water supply conditions (60 % AW), grain yields ranged between 8950 kg/ha (Volga) and 13249 kg/ha (Robust). A good correlation (r = 0.912) between plant water consumption and grain yield was found. The hybrid Danu-biu registered the smallest yield reduction (30.9%). Under severe water stress, the highest WUE value (28.0 kg/mm) was found to Danubiu. The most resistant to water stress were the maize hybrids Danubiu (Ky = 0.66), Fundulea 36