Effect of PEG8000 and NaCl on germination and seedling traits of tropical maize (Zea mays L.)

Among the different types of abiotic stresses, water isthe most damaging for crops. In the current research, the effect ofwater stress, induced with Polyethylene Glycol 8000 (PEG8000)and Sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions, was studied in maize genotypes.A randomized block design (RBD) with a factorial arrangementand four replications of 25 seeds each was used. The studiedmaize genotypes were RC2C39, RC2C51 (wild varieties of the Stateof Tabasco backcrossed with the endogamic line CML247 of the InternationalCenter for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat), wildTamulte, VS536, and Asgrow 7573 hybrid, study osmotic pressures(OP) were 0, -1.0, and -2.0 MPa. The percentage seed germination(G%), and seedling length (SL, in cm), root length (RL, in cm), freshseedling weight (FSW, in g), and fresh root weight (FRW, in g) wereevaluated on seedlings after 12 days of treatment imposition in thefive corn genotypes (Zea mays L.). The results showed significant differencesin the study variables before and after the stresses as theconcentrations of PEG8000 and NaCl increased. In general, theRC2C39, RC2C51, and VS536 genotypes had a better response toPEG8000 and NaCl as compared to wild Tamulte and Asgrow 7573hybrid for all measured variables. The OP of -2.0 MPa is suggestedto separate drought-tolerant from intolerant corn cultivars in theMexican tropical areas.