Water deficit effects on water use of two corn cultivars grown in nutrient solutions

Two corn cultivars ("IAC-Maya" and "IAC-Maya latente") were grown in hydroponic culture, in 15 liters PVC cilindric pots, in a greenhouse. The nutrient solutions were replaced each 30 days period. The plants were subjected to water stress, either by addition of polyethylene glycol-600 to the nutrient solutions at the flowering period, or by no reposition of water transpired by the plants at the flowering and vegetative periods. The experimental design consisted of randomized complete blocks with 5 replications. Reductions in water consumption, and leaf area were observed in both genotypes. An increase in the root length was observed only in the treatments that water stress was imposed by no reposition of water transpired. The results suggested that hydroponic culture may be a suitable method for studying the effects of water deficit in plants.

water deficits; osmotic agents; hydroponic culture