Salt induced changes in morpho-physiological parameters and ultrastructure of roots in maize plants (Zea mays L.)

The effect of salt stress on several morpho-physiological characteristics of maize plants has been investigated in this study. Maize seedlings were treated with 0, 1, 2, and 3% NaCl for 5 days. It was shown that due to salinity, the growth traits (length of root and plant, fresh weight and dry weight of root and seedlings, leaf area, salt tolerance index, RWC, etc.) are significantly reduced. The relative water content in the leaves of the plant decreased gradually with increasing NaCl levels. High salt stress had a strong on root growth. Based on our results on the ultrastructure of the root obtained by electron microscopy, salinity slightly damaged the root anatomy.