Salt Tolerance of Different Maize Genotypes during Germination and Seedling Stages

Soil salinization is a prominent global environmental issue that considerably affects the sustainable development of agriculture worldwide. Maize, a key crop integral to the global agricultural economy, is especially susceptible to the detrimental impacts of salt stress, which can impede its growth and development from the germination phase through to the seedling stage. Soil salinity tends to escalate due to improper irrigation methods, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments. Consequently, it is essential to evaluate potential genotypes and select those with high salt tolerance. In this study, 39 popcorn kernel genotypes were examined under varying salinity levels (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl). Notable declines in seedling growth and significant differences in stress responses were recorded in relation to salinity levels. The application of 200 mM NaCl was found to severely hinder the growth of sensitive species such as maize, adversely impacting both the germination rate and speed. Even when germination occurred, subsequent seedling development was stunted. Therefore, it is advisable to utilize salinity concentrations below 200 mM in research focused on seedling development stages. The assessment of genotypes for their adaptability to saline conditions indicated that genotypes 4, 33, 12, 28, 18, 21, 25, 37, 16, and 31 exhibited high salt tolerance, while genotypes 1, 17, 35, and 36 were identified as susceptible. It is recommended that the more resilient genotypes be utilized in regions affected by salt stress or incorporated into breeding programs.