Salt Stress Effects on the Growth, Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivars

Salt stress is considered one of the most damaging abiotic stresses for maize productivity. In this study, two-hybrid varieties (Sancia and Agrister) were cultivated under 0, 2, 4, and 6 g NaCl L−1. Under 6 g NaCl L−1, shoot length, dry weight, and chlorophyll content were higher for Agrister compared to Sancia. Moreover, an increase in proline and H2O2 was recorded for Sancia at 2 and 4 g·L−1 and for Agrister at 6 g·L−1. Laterally, Agrister enhances the antioxidant enzymes catalase and peroxidase, while Sancia decreased peroxidase by 25% compared to the control. In conclusion, Agrister seems to be more tolerant than Sancia.