Abstract:The effects of ethylene on some physiological characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) ‘Zhengdan 958’ cultured in pot at rehydration after drought stress were studied. The results showed that the biomass, relative water content, contents of chlorophyll and soluble protein, activities of nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) in leaves enhanced treated with ethephon before rehydration, while the biomass, relative water content, soluble protein content, activities of NR and GS in seedlings reduced treated with AgNO3 significantly. After rehydration, the biomass, contents of chlorophyll and soluble protein in seedlings treated with ethephon were significantly higher than that of control treatment, while relative water content, NR and GS activities were closer to control treatment. But the biomass, soluble protein content decreased treated by AgNO3, and there were little effects on relative water content, NR and GS activities. So, spraying ethephon could promote maize seedlings resistant to drought.