Effect of Salicylic Acid Soaking on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Corn Under Drought Stress

By pre-soaking corn seeds in varied concentrations of salicylic acid solutions (i.e., 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0 mmol·L^-1), the effects on the seed germination and seedling growth under a simulated drought stress using 10% PEG-6000 were studied. The results showed that, without the pre-soaking treatment, the germination and growth were significantly inhibited by the stress. In addition, the soluble protein content decreased significantly and MDA increased, while POD, CAT and SOD activities decreased in the sprouted seedlings. By pre-soaking the seeds in a salicylic acid solution of concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 mmol·L^-1, significant improvements on the seed germination and seedling growth were observed. Meanwhile, the soluble protein in the corn plants increased, the MDA contents decreased, and the POD, CAT and SOD activities increased.