EVALUATION OF VARIOUS TRAILS BASED ON MAIZE SEEDLING GERMINATION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of various NaCl concentrations on the germination and growth of  three hybrid maize varieties (P1429, P5971, and P6103) in Pakistan. The experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm of PMS Aird Agriculture University and the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Punjab. Different NaCl treatments (0.25 Molar, 0.5 Molar, 0.75 Molar, and 1 Molar) were applied to maize seedlings, and growth parameters such as leaf length, shoot length, root length, and root/shoot length ratio were measured. Data analysis revealed significant differences in growth responses among the treatments, with higher NaCl concentrations generally reducing growth parameters. Hybrid P6103 exhibited the highest tolerance to salt stress, making it a potential candidate for cultivation in saline conditions. The findings underscore the importance of managing salt stress in maize cultivation to ensure optimal growth and productivity.