Abstract: ObjectiveThe function of maize WRKY gene in growth and stress was studied, in order to lay a foundation for researching the function of WRKY family genes in the growth and response mechanisms of stress in maize. MethodThree WRKY genes which showed a close evolutionships in maize genome were found by using bioinformatics technology. Meanwhile, the structure and function of those ZmWRKY genes were analyzed. In addition, the expression levels of ZmWRKY genes in different maize tissues and under high salt, low temperature and drought stress were analyzed by fluore-scence quantitative RT-PCR(qRT-PCR). ResultThree WRKY transcription factor genes(ZmWRKY22-like,ZmWRKY55-like and ZmWRKY74-like) in maize were identified. It was predicted that these three proteins were all localized in nucleus. Fluorescence quantitative PCR assay showed that ZmWRKY22-like,ZmWRKY55-like and ZmWRKY74-like expressed in all tested maize tissues and had differential expressions. The expression of ZmWRKY55-like was up-regulated about 4.5 times under high salinity treatment for 24 h and that of ZmWRKY74-like was up-regulated about 2.1 times under low temperature stress. ConclusionZmWRKY22-like, ZmWRKY55-like and ZmWRKY74-like genes might play a role in maize fruit growth. ZmWRKY55-like and ZmWRKY74-like may be involved into plant response to salt and low temperature stress respectively.