Germination and Seedling Growth of Zea mays L. as Affected by Different Concentrations of Na2so4 and Cacl2

Aim: The study was carried out to investigate the effects of different concentrations of Na2SO4 and CaCl2 on seed germination and seedling growth of Zea mays.

Study Design: The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in botany laboratory at Department of Biological Sciences, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria, between September, 2016 and January, 2017.

Methodology: Seeds of the test crop were germinated on Whatman No. 1 filter paper, each with 10 ml of CaCl2, Na2SO4, combinations of Na2SO4 and CaCl2 salt solutions in different Petri dishes. The germination percentages, root length, shoot length, fresh and dry weights of the seedlings were determined according to conventional method.

Results: The results showed that treatment with different salt solutions gave a significant (P < 0.05) inhibition in germination percentage and seedling growth. The germination and growth parameters decreased with increase in concentration of salt solutions. The test crop showed an increase in root length and shoot length when subjected to combinations of Na2SO4 and CaCl2 compared to the NaSO4 regime.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that germination and seedling growth of salt treated Zea mays was significantly inhibited by Na2SO4 salinity stress. The inhibition of the germination and other growth parameters measured increased with increase in concentration of the salts.