Waterlogging: It

Enough supply of soil water is essential for growth and development of the maize. However, excess water from erratic rain patterns and climate change can cause waterlogging. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of the seven-day waterlogged condition in different white maize genotypes, determine the sensitive growth stage that negatively affects the growth and yield potential of maize and identify morphological and physiological traits of maize conferring tolerance to waterlogging. USM Var 14 and 16 obtained the highest rate of survival percentage and possessed higher number of nodes that bear adventitious roots. Meanwhile, USM Var 6 obtained the highest total chlorophyll which able to produced bigger ear diameter, more number of kernels and kernel rows per ear. In addition, total chlorophyll shows a positive and significant correlation with number of kernels, kernels row per ear and percentage survival. Length of nodal roots also shows a significant and positive correlation with survival percentage and yield components. Thus, maize with higher total chlorophyll and longer nodal roots has a higher chance of survival and higher yield components when subjected to waterlogged condition. USM Var 6, 14 and 16 have the potential to be the parent materials for breeding purposes in temporary waterlogged condition which is caused by erratic rain patterns and climate changes. Meanwhile, when tasseling stage experience waterlogging i