Molecular Mechanisms and Application Prospects for Breeding for Drought Tolerance in Maize

As a crop of critical global significance, maize requires substantial water throughout its growth cycle. However, with climate change intensifying and water resources becoming increasingly scarce, drought has emerged as a primary limitation on maize productivity. By delving into the molecular underpinnings of drought resistance in maize, researchers have pinpointed an array of drought-resilience genes, transcriptional regulators, and signal transduction pathways, offering a valuable genetic reservoir for enhancing maize’s drought resistance. Advanced molecular tools, including genome editing and marker-assisted selection, have streamlined the targeted optimization and transference of drought-resistance genes, thereby significantly strengthening drought resilience in maize varieties. This paper reviews the intricate molecular bases of drought tolerance and the regulatory frameworks surrounding essential genes in maize, while discussing the future potential of molecular breeding strategies tailored to enhance drought tolerance. Ultimately, this study aims to furnish both a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for advancing drought-resistant maize breeding initiatives.