Impact of Foliar Application of Sodium Nitroprusside on Certain Morpho-physiological, Biochemical and Yield Parameters of Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown under Rainfed Condition

Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) belongs to the family poaceae is one of the most important cereal next to rice and wheat in the world. Maize is referred to as the “queen of cereals” and may be produced all year due to its photothermic-insensitive traits and highest genetic yield among the cereals. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is a chemical compound that has multiple implications and positive modulating effects on mitigating different abiotic stresses especially water deficit regimes. SNP enhances the nutrient uptake and anchoring of the plant root system and also mitigates water stress. Methods: In this context, a field experiment was designed to study the impact of foliar application of SNP on certain morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield parameters of kharif maize grown under rainfed condition. A randomized complete block design (RBD) was employed, with treatments including different concentration of SNP (100, 200, 300 and 400 µM SNP) exogenously applied on maize crop (variety- CP-858) at various critical growth stages. Result: Significant differences were observed with reference to various morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield traits under control and treated plots. Results indicate significant improvements in these parameters following SNP application in comparison to control which significantly implies its possible role in mitigating water stress under rainfed condition.