Journal of Hunan Ecological Science

【Objective】Salt stress adversely affects root development and morphological architecture in maize. Clarifying the impact of salt stress on root morphology across different maize varieties can pro- vide preliminary theoretical and technical foundations for salt-tolerant cultivation and breeding. 【Method】 Using Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) and Jingke 968 (JK968) as experimental materials, neutral salt (NaCl + Na2SO4) and alkaline salt (NaHCO3 + Na2CO3) stress treatments were applied at 100 mmol/ L for 10 consecutive days. Morphological parameters of primary and lateral roots at the seedling stage were measured. 【Result】Compared with the control, salt stress significantly inhibited both shoot and root growth. Shoot fresh weight decreased by 22. 0% ~ 41. 5% , and primary root length declined by 8. 8% ~ 29. 9% , with a more pronounced reduction under alkaline salt stress ( P<0. 05). Under alkaline salt treatment, ZD958 exhibited smaller reductions in total lateral root length, surface area, and volume (48. 8% , 50. 6% , and 51. 2% , respectively; P<0. 05) compared to JK968. However, JK968 demon- strated higher overall salt tolerance between the two varieties. 【Conclusion 】Neutral salt primarily inhibited primary root growth, while alkaline salt synergistically suppressed both primary and lateral root development. ZD958 showed less inhibition in lateral roots under alkaline salt stress, indicating relatively higher salt tolerance. Lateral root development may be closely associated with maize salt tolerance, war- ranting further investigation. This study offered preliminary theoretical insights for screening salt-tolerant maize varieties and utilizing saline-alkali land resources.

salt stress; maize; primary root; lateral root; root architecture