Abstract:

With the improvement of the ability to resist dominant disasters, unnoticeable natural hazards have gradually evolved into a key factor affecting the continuous and balanced increase of crop yield in China. Understanding the mechanisms, characteristics and countermeasures to the unnoticeable natural hazards could provide important theoretical and technological supports to the implement strategies for hazard alleviation. This paper reviews the types of the main unnoticeable natural hazards on maize production, and points out the diversity and complexity of them. The study explores the impact of unnoticeable natural hazards on maize growth and development, revealing that these hazards significantly inhibit photosynthesis, delay growth stages, and reduce pollination and seed-setting rates. Additionally, they impede plant growth and lead to poor kernel development, ultimately compromising both maize yield and quality. Specifically, drought and high temperatures exacerbate water stress, while waterlogging and prolonged overcast/rainy conditions cause root hypoxia and insufficient light energy, respectively. Furthermore, low-temperature chilling injury slows growth and increases physiological disorders. Collectively, these factors lead to yield reduction and diminish farmer income. According to the specific characteristics of different types of unnoticeable natural hazards, the technical measures for preventing or reducing the agricultural unnoticeable natural hazards were put forward, aiming at providing reference for high and stable yield of maize. Through scientific management and countermeasures, the adverse effects on maize production can be effectively mitigated, and both yield and quality can be enhanced.

Key words: maize, unnoticeable natural hazard, maize production, effect, countermeasures