In the assessment of maize specimens for cold resistance, histochemical method of detection of peroxidase enzyme in the pollen was used. Studies were performed both with the inbred lines and local selection cultivars. Genotypic differences were revealed in the rate of oxidation reaction of the substrate interacting with peroxidase of the pollen cytoplasm. The lines were characterized by the maximal variety level while cultivars had a less significant difference in this parameter. At the sporophyte level genotypes were tested using the method of seed germination at low positive temperatures. The effects of temperatures and duration of the cold stress were analyzed. Correlation dependence between the attributes of microgametophytes and sporophytes was studied. Negative correlation was revealed between the intensity of staining of the pollen substrate and seedling length (r-0,3).