High temperature stress in summer maize

• According to predictions, until 2050, 45% of the world's maize-producing area will probably see an annual average episode of five days with a maximum temperature of >35 °C during the reproductive stage. 

• It's crucial to keep in mind that a small increase in mean seasonal temperature—just 1 °C—can reduce the commercial yield of the maize crop by 3–13%.

• When the temperature exceeds 35 °C at the time of pollen shed, it affects the pollen reception by initially emerged silks at the base of the ear as compared to the tip of the ear for late-emerging silks (Figure).

(Source: Waqas, M.A.; Wang, X.; Zafar, S.A.; Noor, M.A.; Hussain, H.A.; Azher Nawaz, M.; Farooq, M. Thermal Stresses in Maize: Effects and Management Strategies. Plants 2021, 10, 293. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020293)