Genotypic variability in maize cultivars (Zea mays L.) for resistance to drought and salinity at the seedling stage

In this study, 19 cultivars of maize were evaluated in pots in two separate experiments to determine their resistance for drought and salinity at the seedling stage. For drought treatment, the pots were filled with alfisol and maintained at 20 % moisture and saturation for the control treatment. For salinity testing, the pots were filled with white perlite. We used 0.2 mol L super(-1) sodium chloride for salinity treatment and water for the control for 15 d after emergence. Highly significant differences were found among genotypes and among treatments for different variables for both the stress factors. Several genotypes have been selected for resistance to drought and salinity stress. Tolerance indices were calculated. Higher root growth under saline stress in some of the genotypes might be a mechanism of resistance in maintaining osmoregulation.