Influence of salinity stress on growth parameters, photosynthetic activity and cytological studies of Zea mays, L. plant using hydrogel polymer

Abstract

The effects of incorporating a hydrogel polymer with sand on development of selected maize (Zea mays, L.) grown under saline conditions has been demonstrated. The seeds of maize was germinated in sand/swollen hydrogel polymer mixture (80:20 v/v) with added Hoagland nutrient solution, then transplanted after 7 days from germination into a range of sand/swollen hydrogel polymer (90:10 v/v) in plastic growbags. Saline solutions containing NaCl, CaCl 2 , mgCl 2 (0.0, 2,000, 4,000, 6,000, 8,000 ppm.)were applied to the growbags (to field capacity twice per week, alternating with a comparable watering regime. Polymer incorporating with sand reduced the effect of salinity treatments. Maize (Zea mays, L.) adapted to salinity (< 8,000 ppm) was found to have undergone extensive osmotic adjustment by accumulation of organic and inorganic solutes. With the exception of 2,000 ppm, salinity decreased seed germination, plant growth yield production and mitotic division. With salinity treatment the water content tended to increase more in the root with salinity treatment, but succulence was greater in shoot than root. Total pigments (chlorophyll a + b & carotenoids) and photosynthetic activity decreased with salinity treatments. The results indicate that adaptation of maize plant to salinity stress had occurred; may make significant contributions by using hydrogel polymer to improve the soil characters and adapted the maize plant to salinizations.

Salt stress induces genotype-specific DNA hypomethylation in ZmEXPB2 and ZmXET1 genes in maize

“…The higher level of NaCl (200 mM NaCl) caused the reduction of shoot growth in addition to wilting of plants. These results are in accordance with the previous reports where reduction of shoot growth due to salt stress in maize have been reported (Pitann et al 2009/a;Pitann et al 2009/b;Szalai and Janda 2009;El Sayed 2011). Szalai and Janda (2009) reported the decrease in elongation rate as well as the number of elongating cells caused this reduction of shoot growth.…”

Salt stress in maize: effects, resistance mechanisms, and management. A review

“…A reduction in photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids is also associated with a decline in the net photosynthesis rate in maize under salt stress (El Sayed 2011;Qu et al 2012). Cha-um and Kirdmanee (2009) observed a linear reduction in chlorophylls a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents in maize with increased salt stress.…”

“…As a salt-sensitive crop, shoot growth in maize is strongly inhibited in the first phase of salt stress (Pitann et al 2009a, b;Szalai and Janda 2009;El Sayed 2011;Wakeel et al 2011a). De Costa et al (2007) observed stunted maize growth with dark green leaves without any toxicity symptoms during the first phase of salt stress, owing to impaired extension growth as osmotic adjustment and turgor maintenance were not limiting.…”

METHIONINE-INDUCED CHANGES IN GROWTH, GLYCINEBETAINE, ASCORBIC ACID, TOTAL SOLUBLE PROTEINS AND ANTHOCYANIN CONTENTS OF TWO Zea mays L. VARIETIES UNDER SALT STRESS

“…Decline in relative water content (RWC) has been reported in all maize varieties in saline environments (Sairam et al, 2002). El Sayed (2011) reported decline in the photosynthetic pigments in maize (Zea mays L.) crop under NaCl stress conditions. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level is maintained inside the cell by various types of antioxidant enzymes like peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) (Foyer and Noctor, 2003).…”