Evaluation of drought resistance indices of maize cultivars in Ardabil region through drought resistance indices

In order to evaluate drought resistance of maize cultivars in Ardabil region through drought resistance indices, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out at the agricultural research station, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil branch, Ardabil, Iran in 2010. Factors included planting conditions with two irrigated levels (irrigated and non-irrigated) and also, eight maize cultivars: BC 678, BC 418, SC 700, BC 582, SC 301, BC 652, BC 566 and SC 704. Results showed that BC 566 cultivar had the lowest TOL index while SC 407 possessed the highest rates for TOL, GMP, and STI. Based on the SSI index, it was found that BC 566, SC 700, BC 418, and BC 652 cvs had the lowest rates ( < 1) and the others, showed the highest rates (p > 1), respectively. Therefore, with regard to the indices, cluster analysis, analysis to the main components and calculated by-plot diagrams, SC 704, SC 301, and SC 700 were distinguished as the highest resistant cvs and suitable for planting in both irrigated and rain-fed conditions. Also, BC 566 cv. was distinguished as the most susceptible cv. among the others.