Salinity Stress Induced Biochemical Changes during Seed Germination of Maize Cultivars

In the present study the two maize cultivars were selected to examine the effect of salinity and the effect of GA 3 on the salinity stressed seeds, the tests were conducted in different conditions with different concentrations. Germination percentage, vigour index and seedling length, chlorophyll content, protein, total free amino acids, protease activity were investigated. GA 3 treatment and combination of GA 3 and NaCl increased the germination percentage, vigour index and seedling length in SNL cultivar and in MYMH cultivar these parameters were reduced. The chlorophyll content was more in both cultivars in control and either salinity or combinations of NaCl and GA 3 have no effect on the synthesis of chlorophyll pigment. Free amino acids,Protein and Protease activity were more in GA 3 200ppm concentration where as in other concentrations these were observed less.The GA 3 played salinity alleviating role and increased the chlorophyll content in the saline treated seeds.In SNL cultivars chlorophyll content was less affected when compared to the MYMH cultivar.Hence, the SNL cultivar in more tolerant compared to the MYMH cultivar.