Maize germination parameters and early seedlings growth under different levels of salt stress

Abstract

Increased salt concentration has a negative effect on germination parameters and early seedling growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate germination parameters and early seedlings growth of maize under different salinity conditions (0, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9 and -1.2 MPa). Germination was tested in double rolled filter paper, moistened with different NaCl solution, in the dark at 25°C. Osmotic stress had significant effects on all examined characteristics, except on final germination. Under the highest osmotic stress, mean germination time and time to 50% germination were 14 h and 30 h longer than at control. Root and shoot length under those conditions (-1.2 MPa) were 76% and 87% shorter compared to control, while root and shoot weight were reduced (81% and 87%). Minor reduction in germination energy was recorded under stress. These results showed different responses of germination parameters and early seedling growth in the observed genotype under different salinity conditions.

Povećane koncentracije soli imaju negativan efekat na parametar klijanja i rani porast klijanaca. Cilj istraživanja bio je ocena parametara klijanja i ranog porasta klijanaca kukuruza u uslovima različite zaslanjenosti (0, -0,3, -0,6, -0,9 i -1,2 MPa). Klijanje je testirano na filter papiru, nakvašenom rastvorom NaCl različitog osmotskog potencijala, u mraku na 25°C. Osmotski stres je imao značajan uticaj na sve ispitivane parametre, osim na klijavost. U uslovima najvišeg osmotskog stresa, srednje vreme klijanja i vreme dostizanja 50% klijavosti, bili su 14 h i 30 h duži u odnosu na kontrolu. Dužina korenka i izdanka u navedenim uslovima (-1,2 MPa) je bila za 76% i 87% kraća spram kontrole, dok je masa korena i stabla bila manja za 81% i 87%. Energija klijanja je smanjena u manjoj meri u uslovima stresa. Rezultati pokazuju razliku u reakciji parametara klijanja i ranog porasta ponika posmatranog genotipa u uslovima različitog nivoa osmotskog stresa.