Investigating the Role of Exogenous Hydrogen Peroxide in Nanotoxicity Reduction in Maize hybrid and its Parents

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