The effect of various concentrations of NaCl (50, 75, 100, 125, 150 mM ) was determined on the growth and biochemistry of two maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars (Pioneer X8F932 and DK -C61-42). Seed germination under salt stress conditions was more affected in cv. Pioneer X8F932 than cv. DK-C61-42. A significant reduction (p<0.05) in root and shoot growth was observed at 100, 125 and 150 mM salt concentrations in both the cultivars. Salt stress also caused a decrease in fresh weight of seedlings in a dose dependant manner (p˃0.05). Among the two cultivars DK-C61-42 showed better tolerance towards salt stress (tolerance index = 105.4 at 75 mM) compared to Pioneer X8F932 (tolerance index = 76 at 50 mM). Total soluble protein content increased in both the cultivars under salt stress in a dose dependant manner with maximum protein content at 150 mM (6.004 mg/g tissue in DK-C61-42 and 7.375 mg/g tissue in cv. Pioneer X8F932). In DK-C61-42 highest peroxidase activity was at 125 mM (0.017 mg/g tissue) while in Pioneer X8F932 highest peroxidase activity was at 50 mM (0.006 mg/g tissue). The difference in enzyme activity between control and salt treated seedlings was significant (p<0.05). The catalase activity decreased under salt stress conditions in case of DK-C61-42 while an increase in activity of the enzyme was observed in Pioneer X8F932 at high salt concentrations. Among the two cultivars DK-C61-42 was better adapted towards salinity stress.

Key words: Zea mays, Salt stress, Peroxidase, Catalase, Phytotoxicity.