Effects of saline stress on growth and crop yield of different maize (Zea mays) genotypes

Abstract

Effects of saline stress (NaCl) on yield and vegetative characteristics of eight maize cultivars were studied. The cultivars K3615/1, S.C704, B73, S.C302, Waxy, K3546/6, K3653/2, and Zaqatala were cultivated in two plots of the Astara region: one was with normal soil and the other – with salty one. Salinization reduced the plant height, ear length, ear diameter, number of plant leaves, stem diameter, number of rows in an ear, number of grains in a row, and dry plant mass in all cultivars. Maximal ear length was observed in Zaqatala, B73, and S.C704, and the least one was detected in K3653/2. Salinization decreased crop yield of all the cultivars. Certain correlations between studied parameters were found.