Water stress is an abiotic condition that significantly lowers maize production. Thirty maize hybrids were planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD,) replicated three times under water stress and non stress conditions at separate locations (Adunu, longitude 7o91 E, latitude 9o351 N, and Jebba, longitude 4o511 E, latitude 9o71 N). Seven yield components were investigated in this study. The combined data revealed substantial variations between hybrids for anthesis and silking interval, 100 grain weight, cob length, cob diameter, number of grains per row, number of grains row per cob, and number of grains per cob under water stress and non-stress circumstances. The correlation matrix reveals a positive and substantial relationship between grain yield and the weight of 100 grains, number of grains per cob, number of grain rows per cob, cob length, cob diameter, and total grain per cob. As a result, these yield characteristics offered the most significant input for increasing grain production under drought stress conditions. Under both conditions, the hybrid (W.DT STR Syn/TZL COMP1-W) F2 X DT SYN2-W F1 and DT Syn-1 F2 X TZL COMP1-W C6/DT-SYN-1-W produced more grain per plant. They were recognized as drought tolerant hybrids on this basis.

Keywords: Tolerant, Water stress, Cereal crop, Abiotic factor, Hybrid