Reaction of susceptible maize inbred lines to herbicides

Abstract

Maize production is inconceivable without herbicide application, and certainly depends on crop susceptibility. Some injuries could be induced by herbicides, what could result in yield losses. This is especially prominent in maize seed production, due to the lines susceptibility to various stressful conditions, including herbicides. Crop response to herbicide application could include whole range of different biochemical reactions such as alterations in content of various metabolites and antioxidants. The experiment was conducted to examine the response of three sensitive maize lines (sugary, popcorn and white kernel maize) to herbicides from sulfonylurea and triketone groups, during the period after herbicide application, when visual injuries are the most obvious and in correlation with grain yield. Variations in soluble proteins, phytic and inorganic phosphorus content, as important metabolites, were followed. The variations in soluble proteins and particularly phytic and inorganic phosphorus content are linked to the expression of susceptibility to herbicides in examined maize lines. Growing season had significant influence on susceptibility. In 2015, as unfavourable season, line ZPT165b expressed the highest susceptibility, having the highest values of examined metabolites at the beginning of experiment. All applied herbicides increased grain yield in 2014, but in 2015 nicosulfuron expressed the lowest selectivity, by decreasing grain yield and soluble proteins up to the 21th day after herbicide application, when compared to control.