Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 167-181 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 173 reducing the impact of heat stress. Studies indicate that biochar helps maintain lower soil and canopy temperatures, thereby enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and overall productivity under high-temperature conditions. The figure's spatial distribution of temperature sensitivity underscores the importance of targeted adaptation strategies, especially in regions with high temperature sensitivity indices, to stabilize maize production amidst rising temperatures (Figure 2) (Wei et al., 2023). Figure 2 Spatial distribution of the sensitivity of dry matter accumulation indices to average temperature perature (SENTavg) (Adopted from Wei et al., 2023) 6.2 Altered rainfall patterns and drought risks for maize Climate change has altered rainfall distribution, leading to more frequent droughts and erratic precipitation patterns that threaten maize yields, particularly in rainfed agricultural systems. Drought stress during the growing season restricts water availability, hindering seedling establishment, photosynthesis, and growth. In drought-prone regions of China, for instance, maize yield reductions of up to 20% have been recorded due to prolonged water scarcity (Meng et al., 2016). In addition to yield effects, drought conditions can increase maize sensitivity to other environmental stresses. Prolonged dry periods lower soil fertility and alter nutrient availability, compounding the impact of drought on plant health. In regions like Nigeria's savannas, climate projections show significant yield declines by mid-century if adaptation measures are not implemented, emphasizing the need for targeted drought-resistant maize varieties (Tofa et al., 2021). Adaptation measures such as using drought-tolerant maize varieties and adopting efficient water management practices can mitigate these impacts. Drought-resistant maize varieties have been shown to sustain yields under lower rainfall conditions, providing a buffer against the challenges posed by climate change-induced water shortages (Kim and Lee, 2023).
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