Effects of Water Stress Induced by Sorbitol and Sodium Chloride on Seedling Parameters of Corn (Zea mays L.)

Drought and salinity are two principal abiotic stresses that can affect the physiological status of organisms by altering metabolism, growth, and development, including seed germination, seedling growth and vigor, vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit development, thereby reducing economic yield and the quality of produce. Understanding germination and seedling development under stressful conditions is crucial for early seedling establishment. In this study, corn (Z. mays) was analyzed for tolerance to water and salt stress during germination and early seedling growth. Seed germination, seedling length, dry and fresh weight, seed vigor, and other parameters were recorded. The results revealed that as water stress increased, corn (Z. mays) germination was delayed and decreased, from 98% (control) to 34% (-15 bar) in sorbitol and from 94% (control) to 44% (15 bar) in saline solution. Dry and fresh shoot and root weights, along with their lengths, decreased as water and salt stress levels increased. Seed vigor and salt tolerance index of corn (Z. mays) showed a decreasing pattern as the salt stress level increased. These results could help identify a tolerant corn variety (Z. mays) that can be studied further and economically exploited.