Lobna A. Moussa, Mohy E.A. and El Banna Ib.M( 2012). Zea Mays Cultivar Behavior as Affected by Rhizobium radiobacter Inoculation in Salt- Stressed EnvironmentsJournal of American Science 2012;8(7)
Abstract: Response variation for salt tolerance was assessed in two Zea mays L. cultivars; Giza 2 (salt tolerant) and Hybrid triple 314 (salt sensitive) amended in presence of Rhizobium radiobacter strain (HQ 395610-Egypt) under two N fertilization regimes (75% and 100%). Soil samples tested for enzymatic activities revealed that R. radiobacter inoculation increased nitrogenase and hydrolases activities particularly after 90 and 45 days. The leaf sample analyzed for inorganic osmolytes (potassium and sodium) showed that both cultivars had high K/Na ratio when treated with R. radiobacter, while total chlorophyll, soluble sugars and peroxidase activity increased. Proline stress-response was also reduced by R. radiobacter inoculation. Substantial variations were observed in the grain quality and yield for both cultivars due to the different treatments. The grain yield increased by 71% in cv. Giza and 48% in cv. Hybrid when R. radiobacter treatment was combined with full N fertilization level.
Keywords: (Zea mays L.; Rhizobium radiobacter; salinity; N-fertilization; growth parameters.)
