Effect of salt stress on growth and ion distribution and accumulation in shoot and root of maize plant

Abstract

In this study, effect of applied NaCl on shoot and root growth and distribution and accumulation of Na, Cl, N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Zn and Mn in shoot and root of the maize plant (Zea mays L. cv: RX 947) was investigated. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) under the greenhouse condition. Sodium chloride was applied at the rates of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM NaCl. Shoot and root growth of the maize plants was inhibited by salinity and NaCl significantly decreased shoot and root dry mass of maize plants. Sodium chloride caused to increase Na, Cl, P, Zn and Mn concentrations in the shoot and root. Applied NaCl decreased N, Ca and Fe concentrations in the shoot, increased N, Ca and Fe concentrations in the root. Sodium, Cl, N, P, Ca, Fe, Zn and Mn accumulated in the root in according to applied NaCl. © 2010 Academic Journals.