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EFFECTS OF BENLATE SYSTEMIC FUNGICIDE ON SEED GERMINATION, SEEDLING GROWTH, BIOMASS AND PHENOLIC CONTENTS IN TWO CULTIVARS OF ZEA MAYS L.

ZAMIN SHAHEED* SIDDIQUI AND ARIF-UZ-ZAMAN

Abstract: Effects of benlate systemic fungicide on seed germination, seedling growth, biomass and phenolic contents of Zea mays L. cvs. EV1018 and Gohar were studied. Seed dressing with systemic fungicide enhanced the germination of seeds of both cultivars with greater effects on root and shoot growth of cvs. EV1018 as compared to control. Phenolic contents in root and shoot substantially increased in both the varieties following treatment with systemic fungicide particularly at higher concentrations of 1000mg L^-1 and 2000mg L^-1. Gohar was less affected in terms of fresh and dry weights as compared to EV1018, exhibiting some degree of tolerance to systemic fungicide. Usage of systemic fungicides beyond a cut off range or threshold concentration proved counter-productive for crop yield.
 

Stress Physiology & Environmental Pollution Lab., Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.