EXOGENOUS APPLICATION OF ASCORBIC ACID AND GIBBERELLIC ACID IMPROVED TOLERANCE OF MAIZE TO NaCl STRESS

The research work was performed to evaluate the performance of two maize varieties Sahiwal2002 (salt tolerant) and Akbar (sensitive one) by the application of ascorbic acid and gibberellic acid (alone or in combination) under saline conditions. Data of maize varieties including morphological and physiological attributes at vegetative stage was evaluated. Exposure of salt stress has drastically reduced the growth and physiology i.e. photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange characteristics in both maize varieties. However, the negative effects of salinity on both maize varieties were effectively reduced by applications of ascorbic acid and gibberellic acid as foliar spray by increasing the gas exchange characteristics and photosynthetic pigments under saline conditions. Among, all the treatments, combined application of the ascorbic acid and gibberellic acid (120 ppm and 110 ppm) showed more pronounced effects on maize under salt stress and Sahiwal-2002 performed better as compared to Akbar.