ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Comparison of Alteration in Growth, Physiological
and Biochemical Attributes of Ten Maize
(Zea mays L.) Varieties under Arsenic Stress:
Susceptibility and Tolerance
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Department of Botany, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
Submission date: 2021-01-16
Final revision date: 2021-03-01
Acceptance date: 2021-04-10
Online publication date: 2021-09-01
Publication date: 2021-10-01
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2021;30(6):4913-4923
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ABSTRACT
The current findings concluded the reverse impacts of arsenic (As) stress on ten contrasting maize
varieties (Malika 2016, Sahiwal 2002, Agaitti 2002, Pearl, Akbar, Pak Afghoi, Neelum, Pioneer,
Sadaf, MMRI-Yellow). A pot experiment was designed to screen out the tolerant and susceptible maize
varieties at Government College University Faisalabad. Genetic variability among the maize varieties
explodes their individual coping traits either tolerant or sensitive against As accumulation. The exposure
to different levels of As (50, 100 mg/kg) stress were examined. Application of As stress substantially
decreased the growth attributes in all maize varieties. Arsenic also induced a significant decline in
chlorophyll contents in all maize varieties, especially in sensitive varieties. Remarkable decrease was
observed in growth and chlorophyll attributes, while increase was recorded in malondialdehyde (MDA),
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ascorbic acid (ASA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and
catalase (CAT) activities. Results of current study show that variety Pearl of maize was more tolerant
with minimum decrease in growth, while Akbar variety was more sensitive with maximum decrease
in all growth attributes against As stress. Furthermore, maize varieties namely Neelum, Sahiwal,
Poineer and Pak Afghoi also presented as tolerant varieties, while Sadaf, MMRI and Malika proved
as moderately sensitive against As stress. The higher As tolerance of Pearl variety was associated with
persistency to maintain higher growth and chlorophyll contents under As stress as compared to the
other varieties.