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 Pak. J. Bot., 48(5): 1763-1774, 2016.

   Updated: 01-01-06

 

 

 

EFFECT OF PLANT-DERIVED SMOKE SOLUTIONS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL

AND BIOCHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES OF MAIZE

(ZEA MAYS L.) UNDER SALT STRESS

 

M.A. WAHEED1*, MUHAMMAD JAMIL2, MUHAMMAD DAUD KHAN2,

SHAKIRULLAH KHAN SHAKIR1, SHAFIQ-UR-REHMAN1

 

1Department of Botany, Kohat University of Sciences and Technology, 26000, KPK, Pakistan

2Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Sciences and

Technology Kohat, 26000, KPK, Pakistan
 

Among abiotic stresses, salinity is an important factor reducing crop yield. Plant-derived smoke solutions have been

used as growth promoters since last two decades. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Cymbopogon

jwaracusa smoke extracts (1:100 and 1:400) on physiological and biochemical aspects of maize (Zea mays L.) under salt

stress (100, 150, 200 and 250 mM). Results showed that seed germination percentage was improved up to 93% with smoke

as compared to control (70%), while seedling vigor in term of root and shoot fresh weights and dry weights were also

significantly increased in seeds primed with smoke extracts. Similarly, in case of alleviating solutions, there occurred a

significant alleviation in the adverse effects of salt solutions when mixed smoke in all studied end points. Application of

smoke solution has also increased the level of K+ and Ca+2 while reduced the level of Na+ content in maize. In addition, the

levels of photosynthetic pigments, total nitrogen and protein contents were also alleviated with the application of smoke as

compared to salt. There occurred an increase in the activities of Anti-oxidant in response of salt stress but overcome with the

smoke application. It can be concluded that plant-derived smoke solution has the potential to alleviate the phytotoxic effects

of saline condition and can increased the productivity in plants.

Key words: Smoke, Salt stress, Cymbopogon, Zea mays, Germination, Growth, Biomasses.

 

   

 

    
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