UNLABELLED: Maize, a primary global food crop, is crucial for food security. In recent years, climatic and other abiotic stresses have led to frequent global droughts. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) plays a vital role in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle. Under drought stress, APX effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by plants and maintains the normal growth and development of organisms. This study successfully amplified APX-related genes, and the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-025-01548-2.