EFFECTS OF DROUGHT IN THE PRODUCTION OF MAIZE AND ITS TOLERANCE IN SOUTH WESTERN REGION

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Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall leading to a shortage of water. A long period where there is little or no rain causes severe ruin in the production of maize crops. Drought is the most severe abiotic stress and hinders the normal growth and development of plants.


The effects of drought on maize depend on the growth stage of prevalence, duration of prevalence and intensity of the drought. Drought can limit the growing season and create conditions that encourage insect and disease infestation in certain crops like maize. Low yield of maize can result in rising maize prices and shortages.


Today, the world faces many problems with crop production, and among them, drought is the most dangerous. Water is a cooling agent that plays important role in the functioning of the plant body. It is directly needed for the normal growth and development of maize crops. Any imbalance in water availability exposes the plants to water stress.


Maize belongs to a tropical environment and is extremely sensitive to drought stress, particularly at early developmental stages. Dry conditions during the growth period will reduce plant and leaf size. Reduced leaf area will decrease transpiration and photosynthesis thereby reducing crop yield. A minor reduction in the leaf area might have a small impact on the yield while a significant decrease in the leaf area could potentially reduce the yield.


Drought has a deteriorative effect on the seedling's establishment, vegetative growth, photosynthesis, root growth, anthesis, anthesis silking intervals, and pollination grain formation in maize crops. The deteriorative effect of drought can be mediated by the application of nutrients. Among. Among the nutrients, potassium can enhance the tolerance of maize plants to drought stress. The application of potassium enhances root growth and stem elongation.


Similarly, potassium increases leaf water potential, osmotic potential and turgion potential under drought stress. Likewise, gas exchange parameters are improved by potassium. The application of potassium enhances the photosynthesis rate and has a better effect on other attributes. Most importantly, potassium is greatly helpful in the transport of sugar prepared in leaves to the fruit. Potassium enhances the yield and yield-related parameters of maize crops.


Maize production has been greatly affected by drought since rainfall distribution has been a major factor that determines its productivity in tropical Africa. The effects of the drought on the different growth stages in the Maize life cycle ultimately determine the low maize production experienced by the farmers in the South West of Nigeria. There is a need for concerted efforts by the farmers through government intervention to provide alternatives whenever there is drought.


Written by Mrs F. A. Babalola


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