Yield component responses of biotechnology‐derived drought tolerant maize under controlled environment conditions

Abstract

Abstract Drought stress is a prevalent environmental factor that results in significant yield losses for maize (Zea mays L.). Genetic improvements through modern breeding methods and the introduction of biotechnology‐derived traits have been used to improve tolerance to drought stress. Conducting yield efficacy trials in the field for plants that exhibit tolerance to abiotic stress poses several challenges, including the inability to control multiple unpredictable environmental stressors. Controlled environment conditions were tested to evaluate yield parameters commonly observed in the field for MON 87460 maize expressing the cold shock protein B (CspB) protein. Maize plants subjected to water‐limitation treatment in the controlled environment exhibited phenotypic characteristics of drought stress consistent with those observed under field conditions. MON 87460 exhibited significant relative increases in ear length, kernel number, and grain weight following water‐limitation treatment. These results demonstrate that the controlled environment is an alternate option for evaluating drought tolerance in maize.