Abiotic stress such as heat and moisture stress has an impact on the yield of Australian summer crops every year. This presentation will examine the effects of stress on the US maize crop and some of the research work that is being undertaken to enable plants to handle the stress and still produce a harvestable yield. New methodologies and screening techniques are producing germplasm that is better able to handle abiotic stress. Effective selection of a number of traits including stomatal control, leaf rolling, root development and biomass production per unit of moisture have developed hybrids that have increased yields in tough environments as well as the ability to maintain yields in high-yielding environments. Data from recent research done by Pioneer Hi-Bred International at several research stations around the world will be presented and the future implications for the Australian maize market will be discussed