Hydrogen peroxide in seed germination and initial development of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.)

Resumen

Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on seed germination and initial development of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) based on water stress or irrigation.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: seeds of seven maize materials were treated with four doses of H₂O₂ (150, 100, 50 and 0 mM). The elongation of the mesocotyl, coleoptile and other characters of maize seedlings were evaluated. Individual and combined analyzes of variance were performed with SAS^® v. 9.1 for Windows (SAS^® Institute, Inc., 2002). A comparison of means was performed with the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05), as well as principal components analysis (PCA).

Results: the effect of H₂O₂ in the seed of native and hybrid maize showed positive effects for the rate and percentage of emergence, length of mesocotyl and coleoptile and dry matter production in both humidity environments. The analysis of dispersion on principal components allowed us to visualize that the doses of 50 and 100 mM were superior for Xnuc Naal and San Pableño genotypes, both in irrigation and drought.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: this study was limited to evaluate seedlings. It is suggested to extend evaluations to the reproductive stage.

Findings/ Conclusions: doses of H₂O₂ at 50 and 100 mM showed a positive effect on seed germination and initial development of maize seedlings.