Study on the Differences of Antimony Tolerance in Seed Germination and Seedling Growth among Different Maize Cultivars

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the differences in antimony tolerance among different maize varieties.[Methods]The effects of antimony stress(1000 mg/L)on seed germination and seedling growth of 26 maize varieties cultivated in Hunan Province were studied.[Results]The antimony stress had little effect on germination rate and germination index of maize seeds,but a significant effect on seed vigor index and root growth;and the antimony stress inhibited shoots less than roots.The tolerance of different maize varieties to antimony stress was quite different,and cluster analysis could divide the tested varieties into three types:susceptible type,intermediate type and tolerant type.Among them,Zhaoyu 999,Huayu 130,Changyu 1,Qingqingyu 800,Qiandan 12 and Huangdan 008 had strong antimony tolerance.[Conclusions]This study is of great significance to the screening of antimony-tolerant maize varieties for breeding research and the planting and application in antimony-contaminated areas around mining areas.