Hydrogen peroxide in seed germination and initial development of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.)

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of H2O2 on seed germination and initial development of corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings based on water stress and irrigation. Design/methodology/approach: The seeds of seven corn materials were treated with four doses of H2O2 (150, 100, 50 and 0.0 mM). The elongation of the mesocotyl, coleoptile and other characters of corn seedlings was evaluated. Individual and combined analyzes of variance were performed with the SAS® statistical program, v. 9.1 for Windows (SAS, 2002). The comparison of means was using the Tukey test (P≤0.05), and a main components analysis was carried out. Results: The effect of H2O2 on native and hybrid corn seed showed positive effects for the speed and percentage of emergence, mesocotyl and coleoptile length and dry matter production in both humidity environments. The principal components and dispersion analysis allowed us to see that the doses of 50 and 100 mM stood out across the Xnuc Naal and San Pableño genotypes in irrigation and drought. Limitations on study/implications: The study was limited to the seedling level, it is suggested to take it to the reproductive stage. Findings/conclusions: H2O2 doses of 50 and 100 mM showed effects on seed germination and initial development of corn seedlings. Keywords: water stress, ecophysiology, biomass.