Effects of Different Salt Concentrations on Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Sugar Maize (Zea mays L. Var. sacharata sturt.) Cultivars

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different NaCl concentrations on germination and early seedling growth of some sugar maize (Zea mays L. sacharata sturt.) Varieties. NaCl was applied to the seeds of Vega F1 (sh2), Merit F1 (su) and Tanem F1 (su) varieties at 0 (control), 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 dSm -1 concentrations. 5 days after seed sowing germination rate, 12 days after the root length, stem length, stem stem ratio, root dry matter ratio, stem dry matter ratio, seedling power index and salt tolerance were measured. Significant differences were found between the characters examined in the study. As a result; It was determined that germination rate and seedling growth characteristics decreased as cultivars salt ratio increased to different salt concentrations. It has been determined that while the total F1 cultivars have the highest values in terms of germination rate and salt stress tolerance, it has the lowest values in terms of root and stem length and root stem ratio. In terms of seedling power index, Vega F1, Tanem F1 and Merit F1, respectively. According to the correlation results, statistically significant positive differences were found between the parameters examined. It was determined that seed germination and early seedling growth parameters were not affected from the germination environment up to 2 dSm-1 salinity level, while it was found to be negatively affected at 2 dSm-1 high levels. It has been determined that water up to 2 dSm-1 salinity level can be used in sugar corn germination and early seedling development periods in aquaculture areas.