The Biobrio 12(1 & 2), 2025

Germination and Physiological responses of Zea mays L. to arsenite stress and its possible amelioration by Salicylic acid

Ankita Kumari, Alika Najafi, Jagriti Priya & Saumya Srivastava

ABSTRACT:

The present study investigates the effect of arsenic [As (III)] stress and its mitigation on germination, morphology and physiology of maize (Zea mays) plants through petriplate experiments. Maize seeds were treated with different concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100 μM) of sodium arsenite. Increasing accumulation of arsenic in the water and soil leads to heavy losses in agricultural productivity. Salicylic acid, a phytohormone, has been found to be quite effective in combating the arsenic toxicity in the plants. In the current study, 5 μM of salicylic acid dose was used to study its mitigating effect on arsenite stress. Arsenite stress inhibited the growth of plants through reduction of root length, shoot length, and fresh weight in a dosedependent manner. Highest dose of arsenite greatly decreased the pigment and protein level in the plants. Salicylic acid application reverted the stress toxicity in the plants by improving plant growth and also increased chlorophyll and protein content in the leaves.

Keywords:    

arsenite, salicylic acid, maize, mitigation, abiotic stress

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