The Effects of NaCl Stress on the Physiological and Oxidative Situation of Maize (Zea mayz L.) Plants in Hydroponic Culture

The effects of NaCl salinity on biomass, Malondialdehyde (MDA), peroxidase (POD), Catalase (CAT), Na + , K + , Ca 2+ and proline in Zea mays L. seedlings were investigated under hydroponic condition. Seedlings were subjected to NaCl stress (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) for 14 days. A completely randomized design with four replicates for each treatment was used. Salinity stress affected on the growth and caused a reduction in root and shoot biomass. NaCl treatment caused a significant increase in root MDA content. NaCl at 100 mM and higher increased also the shoot MDA content significantly. Catalase activity of leaf was significantly increased at 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl in comparison with the control. Peroxidase activity in leaf started to significant increase with the rise of NaCl content at 150 and 200 mM. The leaf Na + content, root and shoot proline concentrations increased with the increase in salinity stress. The leaf K + and Ca 2+ amounts were significantly decreased with the rise of salinity stress in comparison with control.