The objective of the present work was to investigate the effect of two different concentrations of triacontanol (TRIA) namely 35 and 50 ppm on germination of maize. grains,_seedling growth, major biochemicalactivities, content of major growth regulators and protein banding pattern. The relatively low applied concentration of TRIA (35 ppm) lead to rapid emergence of radicles, significant increase in percentage of germination and in major growth attributes of the developed seedlings. The biochemical activities of maize responded well to the low concentration of TRIA and participated in growth enhancement of the seedlings. A decrease in imbibitional injury is expected as a result of the increase in percentage of unsaturated fatty acids which play a crucial role in mobility of membrane components before water uptake. In response to the relatively low applied concentration of TRIA a significant increases in DNA, RNA, cytokinins and gibberellins associated with an obvious decrease in ABA were obtained. Whereas application of a relatively high concentration of TRIA (50 ppm), via disturbing the biochemical and hormonal activities had retarded seed germination and seedling growth.The change induced in protein banding pattern of maize seedlings in response to TRIA reflect an effect of TRIA on gene expression.
Key words: triacontanol, seed, germination, growth
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