Impact of salinity stress on seed germination indices of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes

Abstract

This investigation was done to find germination response of nine maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes under three levels of NaCl salinity (0 mM, 100 mM and 200 mM). Seeds were germinated and grown in Petri plates on filter paper, using above mentioned salt solution as treatment with three replications, incubated at 28±1 0 C in a growth chamber following randomized complete block design. Germination percentage (GP), germination speed (GS), germination index (GI), seedling dry weight (SDW), seed vigor index (SVI) and salt tolerance index (STI) were all decreased as the level of NaCl was increased. Mean germination time (MGT) and Percent reduction in dry weight over control (%ROC) was increased as the NaCl levels increased. Interaction between genotypes and salt levels showed varying degree of differences. It is concluded that genotypes showed response variability for seed germination under saline stress. Among the investigated genotypes inbred line CZ-7 expressed as the tolerant genotype and B73 appeared to be more sensitive at germination stage.