Differential Morphophysiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Responses of Maize Hybrids to Salinity and Alkalinity Stresses

Salinity and alkalinity stresses are common in arid semiarid climates. Both these not only retard crop growth but also cause a severe reduction yields. The present experiment was performed to investigate the morphological, physiological, biochemical, genetic responses of two maize hybrids (FH-1231 DK-6714) salinity stresses. treatments were comprised salt stress (NaCl:Na2SO4 at 9:1 ratio), alkaline (NaHCO3:Na2CO3 an unstressed control. results indicated that significantly reduced shoot fresh weight by 50% 70%, root 38% 50%, dry 69% 93%, seedling length 18% 30%, number leaves 27% 39%, maximum leaf width 17% 24%, respectively, across compared with control, indicating had greater effect than salinity. Likewise, both stresses, particularly alkalinity, decreased K+ ion accumulation chlorophyll content increased lipid peroxidation rate, sodium (Na+) concentration, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level, activities antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate (APX). induced expression levels genes (SOD, CAT, POD, APX); however, showed less stress. Similarly, hybrid DK-6714 comparatively better FH-1231 regard growth, activities, biochemical attributes under conditions. Thus, is recommended as suitable for soils affected salt-alkalization.