Heat Stress Effects on Maize: A Comprehensive Review of Stage-Specific Effects and Climate-Resilient Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55627/agrivet.004.02.01433Keywords:
Maize Heat Stress, Stage-Specific Effects, Physiological Response, Biochemical Response, Molecular Mechanisms, Reproductive Development, Climate-Resilient StrategiesAbstract
Heat stress, intensified by global climate change, has a serious adverse impact on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity through all developmental stages. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the physiological, biochemical, molecular, and genetic maize responses to elevated temperatures, focused on stage-specific vulnerabilities. Heat stress during flowering particularly anthesis and silking is identified as the most critical, leading to impaired pollen viability, disrupted floral synchrony, and reduced kernel set. During grain filling, elevated temperatures hasten senescence, hinder carbohydrate translocation, and diminish kernel weight and quality. On the molecular level, heat stress induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, disrupts hormonal balance. This mechanism triggers heat shock protein (HSP) expression through transcription factors such as HSFs and DREB2A. Genetic studies reveals key heat-resilient genes, including ZmHSF01, ZmHSP17.9, and others involved in antioxidant defense, osmolyte biosynthesis, and reproductive stability. Climate models project up to 30% yield losses by 2050 if mitigation strategies are not adopted. Moreover, adaptation involve gene editing, molecular breeding, stress-resilient cultivars, and climate-smart agronomic practices. These are crucial for sustaining maize production in a warming world. This review focuses on the need for integrated genetic, physiological and management approaches to enhance maize thermotolerance and secure future food supplies.
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