ABSTRACT
We designed and validated a test system that simulates a growth environment for Zea mays L. maize seedlings under conditions of low moisture gradient in darkness. This system allowed us to simultaneously measure mesocotyl elongation and the primary root hydrotropic response in seedlings before the emergence phase in a collection of maize hybrids. We found great variation in these two traits with statistically significant reduction of their elongations under the low moisture gradient condition that indicate the richness of maize genetic diversity. Hence, the objective of designing a new test system that evaluates the association between these underground traits with the potential use to measure other traits in maize seedlings related to early vigor was achieved.
