We reported the manipulation of cytokinin content by the senescence-regulated expression of the A. tumefaciens IPT gene through its control by the SARK promoter in maize, and the resulting effect on water deficit tolerance from metabolic to plant production levels. We demonstrated that the pSARK-regulated expression of the IPT gene improved the photosynthetic performance and delayed leaf senescence, leading to an improved productivity under water deficit conditions, although. Our results are promising for the development of transgenic maize able to grow in areas with unfavorable water regimes