Low-Temperature Stress Signatures in Maize During Emergence: Linking Osmoprotectants, Antioxidative Enzymes, and Photosynthetic Performance

Abstract

Simple Summary Knowing how young maize plants respond to low temperatures during early developmental stages, such as emergence, is extremely important in aiming to support earlier sowing as a way to mitigate climate change impacts on maize production. Still, information on the low-temperature response during emergence is limited compared to later developmental stages. In the present study, the response of sensitive and tolerant seedlings was inspected, showing distinct differences. Seedlings susceptible to low temperatures showed reduced photosynthesis and accumulation of compounds that signal inhibited growth, while the same was not found for the tolerant ones. This knowledge can be used in designing maize breeding programs that are important for early sowing.