Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivars Under Salinity Stress

Salt stress is a serious threatening factor for cereal crops such as maize (Zea mays L.) by affecting their growth and development. In the current era, the requirement for staple crops is increasing, so it is important to screen out salt-tolerant genotypes. For this purpose, a pot experiment was designed within three replications on ten different genotypes of the maize. The plants were planted in plastic pots and salt stress (0, 40, 70, 100 mM) was maintained. The salt stress induced a noticeable reduction in plant growth traits (shoot length, root length, shoot, root fresh and dry weight, and leaf area (LA). The photosynthetic pigments as Chl a, Chl b, Total chlorophyll, and carotenoids. The elevated stress levels cause an intensive accumulation rate of MDA (malondialdehyde) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) resulting from stress exposure and ultimately damaged the membrane-bounded organelles. The Flavonoid and phenolic contents increased as the salt stress level increased, this increase was higher in Pearl and least in Sadaf. The activity of cellular antioxidants (SOD) is significantly enhanced under stress to quench oxidative stress. Our results revealed the genotype Sadaf as sensitive and salt tolerant genotypes were as Pearl > Sahiwal 2002 > Pioneer > MMRI(Y). Based on screening, the tolerant genotypes have the potential to grow under saline conditions. However, further research is needed to explore the genetic basis of salt tolerance in these genotypes.