Comparison of Alteration in Growth, Physiological and Biochemical Attributes of Ten Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties under Arsenic Stress: Susceptibility and Tolerance

The current findings concluded the reverse impacts of arsenic (As) stress on ten contrasting maize varieties (Malika 2016, Sahiwal 2002, Agaitti 2002, Pearl, Akbar, Pak Afghoi, Neelum, Pioneer, Sadaf, MMRI-Yellow). A pot experiment was designed to screen out the tolerant and susceptible maize varieties at Government College University Faisalabad. Genetic variability among the maize varieties explodes their individual coping traits either tolerant or sensitive against As accumulation. The exposure to different levels of As (50, 100 mg/kg) stress were examined. Application of As stress substantially decreased the growth attributes in all maize varieties. Arsenic also induced a significant decline in chlorophyll contents in all maize varieties, especially in sensitive varieties. Remarkable decrease was observed in growth and chlorophyll attributes, while increase was recorded in malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ascorbic acid (ASA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Results of current study show that variety Pearl of maize was more tolerant with minimum decrease in growth, while Akbar variety was more sensitive with maximum decrease in all growth attributes against As stress. Furthermore, maize varieties namely Neelum, Sahiwal, Poineer and Pak Afghoi also presented as tolerant varieties, while Sadaf, MMRI and Malika proved as moderately sensitive against As stress. The higher As tolerance of Pearl variety was associated with persistency to maintain higher growth and chlorophyll contents under As stress as compared to the other varieties.