Impact of NaCl on physiological and biochemical characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) plants

Aim. The effect of 50 and 100 mmol NaCl concentrations on seed germination, the content of green pigments in seedlings, and on the activity of photosystem II in seedlings of maize varieties Zagatala 420, Zagatala 514, Zagatala 68 and Gurur and hybrid Gurur x Zagatala 68 was studied. Methods. Plant seeds were germinated under laboratory conditions in Petri dishes and pots with soil using 50 and 100 mmol of sodium chloride solutions. Germination, seed germination energy had been determined. In two-week old seedlings determined the number of photosynthetic pigments and the activity of photosystem II. Results. High concentrations (100 mmol) of NaCl reduced seed germination, pigments number, and photosystem II activity. At a salt concentration of 100 mmol, an increase in the carbohydrate content was noted. Conclusions. Varieties Gurur and Zagatala 68 and hybrid Gurur x Zagatala 68 were more tolerant compared to varieties Zagatala 420, Zagatala 514. Keywords: maize, NaCl, photosynthetic pigments, photosystem II.