Role of Zinc in Mitigating Drought Stress and Enhancing Resilience in Maize (Zea mays L.)
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Abstract
This review examines the impact of drought stress on maize and the role of zinc (Zn) in enhancing drought resistance. Maize, is a crucial crop in India, faces significant challenges due to abiotic stresses, particularly drought, which adversely affects its growth, physiology, yield, and nutritional quality. Drought stress leads to reduced plant height, leaf area, and photosynthesis, ultimately impacting kernel production. Zinc is an essential micronutrient, plays a vital role in regulating various physiological processes, including chlorophyll synthesis and stress responses. The review highlights the mechanisms by which Zn enhances maize's resilience to drought, including improved root development, increased water absorption, and enhanced expression of aquaporins (AQPs). Furthermore, it discusses agronomic strategies for Zn biofortification, such as foliar application and seed priming, to mitigate Zn deficiency in maize grown in zinc-deficient soils. The genetic basis of Zn accumulation in maize is also explored, emphasizing the potential of marker-assisted selection and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping to develop high-yielding, zinc-enriched maize varieties. Overall, this review highlights the crucial role of zinc in enhancing maize's drought tolerance and nutritional quality, thereby enhancing food security in the face of climate change.
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