PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS) TO SALINITY STRESS

Salinity stress is one of the major environmental challenges that limits the growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays), a globally important cereal crop. This project investigates the physiological responses of maize to varying levels of salinity to understand how this stress affects plant growth, water relations, ion accumulation, and overall productivity. The study was conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment, where maize plants were subjected to four salinity treatments: control (no salt), low salinity (50 mM NaCl), moderate salinity (100 mM NaCl), and high salinity (150 mM NaCl). Growth parameters such as germination rate, plant height, leaf area, and root length were measured, along with physiological responses including chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, osmotic potential, and ion concentrations (Na+ and K+). The results indicated that increased salinity significantly reduced germination, growth, and chlorophyll content, while ion accumulation (Na+) increased, and potassium (K+) concentration decreased in both roots and leaves. Additionally, osmotic adjustment, evidenced by increased proline content, was observed in maize plants exposed to salinity. The highest salinity level (150 mM NaCl) resulted in substantial reductions in biomass and yield. These findings highlight the negative impact of salinity stress on maize and suggest that developing salt-tolerant maize varieties and implementing effective soil management strategies are crucial for mitigating the effects of salinity on maize productivity.