ASSESSMENT OF SALICYLIC ACID IN MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS) SUBJECTED TO NICKEL STRESS

Salicylic acid (SA) is a natural plant hormone and essential signaling compound known for effective role in biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the influence of salicylic acid (0, 0.15 and 0.30 mM) on morphophysiological attributes of nickel (Ni) treated (700 mu M of NiSo(4)) and non-treated two maize (C-20 and EV-79) varieties. Results revealed that Ni stress reduced growth, chlorophyll contents and mineral ions in maize, whereas, significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and leaf free proline contents. Foliar applied SA reduced MDA, H2O2 and glycine betaine contents (GB), while, increased growth, chlorophyll contents, leaf free proline and leaf and root calcium content in both maize varieties. Of varying levels of foliar applied SA, 0.30 mM was proved to be most effective against Ni stress as compared to 0.15mM in all parameters of both maize varieties especially at chlorophyll and ionic contents. Overall, variety C-20 performed better as compared to EV-79 in growth and other physiological responses under control as well as Ni stress.