Abstract: ObjectiveResponse of major maize varieties in Guangxi to drought stress and re-watering at tasseling stage was studied to provide reference for drought-resistant mechanism, drought-resistant variety breeding and selection of maize variety for fall sowing. MethodTub planting experiment in greenhouse was conducted. Five levels of drought stress (4,8,12,16 and 20 d) and re-watering after dought stress were carried on five maize varieties(Guidan 0810,Dika 008, Zhengda 619,Chenyu 969 and Guidan 901). Normal watering for each variety were taken as control. Samples were taken on day 1 of drought stress and day 15 of re-watering. Secondary root number, maximum root length and green leaf number were measured, root dry weight and shoot dry weight in each treatment were detected, and the ratio of each index to control was calculated. At maturation stage, maize ear yield per plant was detected, and drought coefficient and drought resistance index were also calculated based on it. Clustering analysis for drought coefficient was conducted. ResultShoot dry weight, root dry weight, secondary root number, maximum root length and green leaf number of all the varieties reduced under drought stress. The ratios of the indexes to control decreased as stress time extended. After re-watering,the regrowth amount of all indexes decreased as stress time prolonged. Over compensation effect only occured in maximum root length after re-watering post 4 d drought stress. For other indexes, over compensation effect did not happen. Under drought stress, the drops of the indexes mentioned above of Guidan 0810, Dika 008 and Zhengda 619 were smaller that those of Chenyu 969 and Guidan 901. After re-watering, the regrowth abilities of Guidan 0810, Dika 008 and Zhengda 619 were better than those of Chenyu 969 and Guidan 901. Guidan 0810,Dika 008, and Zhengda 619 performed higher drought coefficient and drought resistance index than Chenyu 969 and Guidan 901. Clustering analysis for drought coefficient classified the five varieties in-to two categories: Guidan 0810,Dika 008,and Zhengda 619 belonged to the varieties with strong drought resistance, and Chenyu 969 and Guidan 901 were the ones with weak drought resistance. ConclusionGuidan 0810, Dika 008 and Zhengda 619 are less affected by drought stress at tasseling stage for the growth of root and shoot system,and regrow effectively under re-watering after drought stress. These three varieties produce more biomass and high yield. Therefore they are selected as the maize varieties suitable for fall sowing in Guangxi.