Supporting Data:A pleiotropic 'stretch' phenotype is associated with metaxylem vessel element length, axial hydraulic conductance, root elongation, water utilization, and drought adaptation in maize.

These data were collected to assess how xylem perforation plates affect water use strategies in maize (Zea mays L.) under water deficit through empirical studies in controlled environments and in the field. In this work, our goals were to explore the extent of intraspecific variation for the structure of perforation plates within an annual monocot and assess how this variation affects transport and use of water under drought stress. Specifically, we test the hypotheses that (1) simple perforation plates have a significant effect on water transport, (2) intraspecific variation exists for these features in maize, and (3) this variation affects water use strategies under drought stress.