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

摘要

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, CaCl2, mgCl2 (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.