Abstract:
Maize is one of the most important grains of the world, which is considered as an essential
constituent of diet of the people of Pakistan and around the globe. Maize is regarded as one of
the primeval grain that was cultivated by the early human beings. Maize has always remained in
focus by the agricultural scientists and experts. During the 1930’s, first hybrid maize was used
by the growers. Hybrid maize became popular because of its potential ability to give high yield
and tolerance towards various biotic and abiotic stresses. This is because of the hybrid vigour or
heterosis depicted by the hybrid plants. One of the important aspects, which requires focus are
the various abiotic stresses which the maize crop is susceptible to. These abiotic stresses
particularly include drought, salinity, chilling and heat. To overcome these stresses various types
of maize hybrids have had been made and exploited. Nanoscience is an upcoming field in which
the scientific community is interested because of its perceived advantages. However nanotoxicity
is one of the potential issues that require our diligent attention. Nanotoxicity studies in maize and
other plants are in their initial stages. The present study emphasised on studying the effects of
nanotoxicity and also to analyse the effects of pre-treatment of hydrogen peroxide in
nanotoxicity reduction in maize hybrid and its parents, as hydrogen peroxide pre-treatment has
been reported to curb various abiotic stresses in maize and other plants. The current study
revealed that maize seedlings pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide prior to TiO2 nanoparticles
stress showed nanotoxicity reduction at both physiological and biochemical levels when
analysed
