Effect of Enhanced UV-B Radiation on Germination and Biochemical Components of Maize (Zea Mays L.)

Nagendram Erram¹, Anil Gaddameedi², Swapna Siddamalla¹, Tumu Venkat Reddy¹ and Manjula Bhanoori¹

¹Department of Biochemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.

²Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.

Corresponding Author E-mail: bhanoorim@yahoo.co.in

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2522

ABSTRACT: In the present investigation, Maize seeds of hybrid NK 6240 and 900M Gold were exposed to UV-B (280-320 nm) for periods of 40 and 60 minutes and compared with the control without exposer to UV-B. The biochemical changes associated with UV-B induced resistance were investigated by determination of proline concentration, total soluble sugars, total soluble protein, malondialdehyde content and free amino acids from leaves and roots. Also comparison for germination percentage between control and treated seeds was carried along with biochemical traits. Analysis of variance explains both the hybrids were significantly different in germination percentage, total soluble sugars, proline and free amino acids. Whereas both treatments showed high significant variation for all the studied traits, but genotype × treatment interaction was non-significant for all the traits. 40 minutes UV-B treated seeds showed reduced total soluble sugars and increased malondialdehyde, proline and total soluble protein content. In 60 minutes UV-B treatment, decrease in free amino acids, proline, percentage of germination, and total soluble protein and increase in total soluble sugars was observed.

KEYWORDS: Maize;  Proline Total Soluble Sugars; Total Soluble Protein: UV Radiation;

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