Effect of sodium chloride on some morpho-physiological traits in Zea mays L.

To evaluate the effect of salinity originated from sodium chloride on the morphological and physiological characteristics of corn, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with seven replications in greenhouse condition. Treatments were four levels of soil salinity (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ds/m) and two types of irrigation water (0 and 2 ds/m of sodium chloride). Results of ANOVA showed the significant effect of soil salinity on chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll, and significant interaction effect between soil salinity and sodium chloride concentration of irrigation water on chlorophyll b, proline and total soluble carbohydrates. The highest content of leaf chlorophyll b (0.67 mg/l) was obtained from control treatment (without salinity of soil and water). The lowest concentration of leaf chlorophyll b (0.29 mg/l) belonged to plants irrigated with water (0 ds/m) in 15 ds/m saline soil. The highest (37.65 mg/ l) and lowest (24.53 mg/l) total soluble carbohydrates content were obtained from control and 15 ds/m of soil salinity, respectively. While, the minimum proline content (20.39 mg/l) belonged to control and the maximum proline (0.030mg/l) belonged to 20 ds/m soil salinity. Despite ascending trends in proline along with higher salinity, these arises was sever in saline soil. © 2014 Trade Science Inc. - INDIA.