Evaluation of genotypic behavior of maize under normal and salt affected soils

Soil salinity is one of the serious problems which posing severe threat to ecosystems under different environmental conditions throughout the world. Salinity is drastically affecting the productivity of agronomic crops particularly maize. Maize grain, being a rich source of protein, is a quality food for humans and healthy green fodder for animals. Experiment under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four repetitions was conducted at Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences (non-saline soil) and Proka Research Farm (saline soil), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Two maize genotypes (EV-78 and KS-64) were selected for their comparative performance under salt-affected and normal soil conditions. Physiological, growth and yield parameters of maize genotypes were significantly influenced under salt affected and normal soils. Under saline conditions, genotype EV-78 showed tolerant behavior as compared to genotype KS-64 because genotype EV-78 produced higher shoot fresh and dry weights, 100-grain weight and grain yield per hectare. Physiological parameters including photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, sub-stomatal CO2 concentration and stomatal conductance were also less affected in genotype EV-78 under saline soil conditions. Under non-saline soil condition, genotype EV-78 accumulated more potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen whereas concentrations of sodium and chloride were reduced. While genotype EV-78 accumulated higher concentrations of sodium and chloride under saline soil conditions. Genotype KS-64 showed more sensitive behavior to saline environment regarding economical yield.