EFFECTS OF SALICYLATE ON GROWTH AND BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN MAIZE SEEDLINGS UNDER SALT STRESS

Protective effects of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) on maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings under salinity stress were studied. Pre-soaking treatments of NaCl (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200mM) were given to maize seeds in presence as well as absence of 0.5 mM salicylic acid. The injurious effects of salinity on growth and development were manifested by decreased dry weight, leaf area, number of roots, and percentage water content along with reduction in biochemical components. Activity of both superoxide dismutase (SOD) (EC 1.15.1.1) and catalase (CAT) (EC 1.11.1.6) increased during saline conditions, however SA pretreatment increased SOD activity further and the activity of catalase was decreased in antagonistic manner. Degree of lipid peroxidation declined through the significant reduction in MDA content in maize seedlings. Results suggests that exogenous Salicylic acid reduced the detrimental effects of salinity and controlled growth, development and stress responses in maize plants.