Impacts of Salt Stress on the Growth and Yield Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Numerous studies on some plants have shown that plant growth, development and yields are affected by salt stress. This study was carried out at the Botanical Garden of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology (PSB) in Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria between August to October, 2024. having latitude and longitude of (4.804oN and 6.980oE), annual rainfall of (200.45mm) and annual temperature range of (25oC - 27oC), to investigate the impact of salt stress on the growth and yield parameters of maize which. Sandy-loamy soil used for this study was collected from the above study area. Maize grains (SAMMAZ-51 cultivar) were subjected to viability test and germination percentage was determined. Viable seeds were sown into polybags filled with 18kg of soil at the rate of 2-seeds per bag having 4 treatments (10mM-T1, 30mM-T2, 50mM-T3, Control-T4) replicated 8-times and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data collected were plant height, number of leaves, days to tasseling, days to cobbing, number of cobs, weight of cob with and without husk. There were no significant differences (P<0.05) in the data collected. Although, Control had higher values in plant height, number of leaves, number of cobs, and weight of cob with and without husk compared to other treatments.