Moisture stress induced changes in root anatomy and antioxidants level in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Maize is a drought sensitive crop whose growth and yield is seriously affected by this stress. Development of drought tolerant genotypes is the need of the hour and the only alternative to increase maize yield. In the present research, some biochemical and anatomical indices have been identified which can be used to screen the tolerant genotypes from a large population pool. The results obtained from the present study revealed that tolerant genotypes (LM 16, CM 140) as well as check (PMH 2) showed higher carotenoids, chlorophylls, proline and activities of SOD and POX enzymes, whereas, accumulation of H2O2 was lower than sensitive genotypes (LM 13, LM 20). Some morphological and anatomical changes were also induced in roots due to moisture stress. The number of metaxylem elements increased in both sensitive and tolerant genotypes. Diameter of metaxylem was reduced in tolerant genotype (CM 140) while number of root hairs increased in tolerant genotype (LM 16) with drought stress. Consequently, all these modifications in the root anatomy, enzyme activities and biochemical parameters could provide a useful tool to breeders for identification of moisture tolerant genotypes.