Genetic Analysis of Some Maize Genotypes under Drought Conditions

Maize (Zea mays L.) is now a major important cereal crop in the world, and is a multipurpose crop. It belongs to tribe Maydeae of the Poaceae (Gramineae) grass family, and is the only cultivated species in its genus. Phenotype is a result of genotype and environmental interaction. Therefore, assessment of desired genotypes is highly dependent on proper environmental conditions. A biotic stresses (particularly drought, high temperature, salinity and others) generally reduce crop productivity. These stresses are location-specific, exhibiting variation in frequency, intensity, and duration. Stresses can occur at any stage of plant growth and development. Genetic diversity is the basis of successful crop improvement and can be estimated by different methods, which include the use of agronomic characterization and DNA fingerprinting. One of the most widely used applications of the RAPDs technique is the identification of markers linked to traits of interest without the necessity of mapping the entire genome.