Effect Of Potasium Stress On Seed Germination And Growth Of Popcorn (K.Sc.6o4 P.C)

ABSTRACT: Environmental factors may influence popcorn germination rates and seedling establishment before seeds are even produced. Evaporation and transpiration remove pure water from the soil. This water loss concentrates solutes in the soil. When irrigation water contains a high concentration of solutes, Potassium can reach rapidly injurious levels vis-à-vis salt-sensitive species. One factor limiting Popcorn plant (Zea mays everta Sturt(K.sc.6o4 p.c.)) domestication in the central areas of Iran is the damage caused by salt effect since irrigation enhances salinity in plantation soils. The objectives of this study were to define the effect of various KNO3 concentration levels on plant growth and seed germination. The tolerance to salinity of Popcorn seed and seedlings was assessed at KNO3 concentrations of 0, 1.2,2.4, 3.6, 4.8, and 6 g l?1and the experiment was undertaken in the laboratory under greenhouse conditions. Results obtained show that more than half of the seeds germinated in the presence of 6 g/l of KNO3; whereas 4.8g/l of KNO3 inhibited completely the emergence of plumules. Concerning Popcorn seedlings, 3.6 g/l of KNO3 marked the start of negative affect on the growth.