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Abstract (in English)
Maize (Zea mays L.) is an annual broadleaf crop with high nutritional value, containing considerable amounts of starch, protein, vitamins, minerals, and the amino acid lysine. Salinity stress is one of the major global challenges limiting crop growth and productivity. To evaluate the effect of salinity stress on maize germination indices, this experiment was conducted during the spring of 2024 at the laboratory and research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University. The treatments consisted of five NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM). The results revealed that increasing salinity levels significantly reduced germination percentage, root and shoot length, and fresh and dry weights of maize seedlings. The highest values for these parameters were recorded at 0 mM NaCl, while the lowest were observed at 200 mM. High salinity decreased water potential and caused ionic imbalance, which consequently slowed the germination process. Overall, the findings indicate that salinity has a markedly negative effect on maize seed germination and early growth, which may further influence yield and development at later growth stages.