| ABSTRACT The objective in this review was to discuss the importance of maize currently and the crucial role it may play in the future for food production in scenarios of water shortage, as well as the importance of conserving its landrace cultivars, which have a considerable portion of the reserve of genetic variability. Maize plants, when exposed to water deficit, may develop physiological, morphological, biochemical and anatomical adaptation mechanisms. With the aid of genetic improvement, characteristics that impart tolerance are fixed in plants through conventional methods. In this context, ‘Tuxpeño Sequia’ cultivars were developed in Mexico, while in Africa, one of the most important strategies was the development of ‘DT’ (Drought-tolerant) cultivars.... |
