Effect of PEG induced drought stress on seed germination and seedling characters of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypesEffect of PEG induced drought stress on seed germination and seedling characters of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes

Drought stress is one of the most important environmental issues that reduce growth, development and yield of the plants. Developing maize cultivars that can perform well in drought and other abiotic stress is an important goal throughout the world. Germination is one of the main growth stages for seedling establishment, and success in this stage is dependent on moisture availability in the soil.