ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on water stress and its effects on the growth and physiology of corn. Drought or water stress is considered one of the most serious problems, which drastically affects the growth and physiology of corn as well as many other crops. The magnitude and severity of water stress in corn vary depending on weather conditions, soil water deficit, and crop growth stage. Water stress has a great impact on seed germination, imbibition, and the germination potential of corn. Water stress has a great impact on physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and relative water content. Water stress reduces the translocation of photosynthetic assimilates as a result of a decrease in photosynthesis. Achieving high yield and quality of corn requires an understanding of the most sensitive growth stages and the peak periods of water demand by the crop.
