Maize is thermophilic and photophilous as a typical C4 plant,which requires high temperature conditions with a weak resistance to the cold.This paper reviews the concept and mechanism of chilling injury,identification methods for cold resistant maize,mechanism of cold resistance,physiological changes of maize growth and development under cold stress,research progress on genetic and biochemical view,and new ways to improve cold resistance of maize.
MaizeCold resistanceChilling stressGrowth and developmentPhysiology and biochemistryGene