Project 4

Hormonal Regulation of Saltwater Irrigation Efficiency in Maize Seedlings

Jul. 2018 – May 2019

When the maize seedlings reached the stage of having two leaves and one central shoot, a nutrient solution comprising 50ml with a seawater volume ratio of 25% was introduced. Subsequently, the foliar surface of the seedlings was treated with varying concentrations (0.0, 0.3, 0.5ppm) of the hormone Brassinosteroid (BR) through spraying, constituting the treatment groups. The reference control group consisted of maize seedlings that did not undergo seawater treatment. Measurements were taken on the 0th, 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th days to assess the seedlings' fresh weight, dry weight, water saturation deficit, and root vitality. Additionally, leaf samples were collected to determine their weight, area, and chlorophyll content. The objective of this study is to enhance the effectiveness of seawater supplementation in irrigation.