Soil salinization is a growing threat to global agriculture, severely limiting crop growth and yields. For maize, a staple food crop worldwide, salt stress during the seedling stage can stunt growth, damage roots, and disrupt vital physiological processes. However, recent research reveals a promising solution: exogenous gibberellin (GA3).
A study published in Tianjin Agricultural Sciences investigated the effects of different GA3 concentrations (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 mg·L⁻¹) on maize seedlings under salt stress. The results showed that spraying
GA3 significantly improved seedling performance, with the 80 mg·L⁻¹ concentration delivering the best results.
Morphologically, GA3 enhanced plant height, root length, root tip number, and leaf area—key indicators of healthy growth. Physiologically, it boosted soluble sugar content and activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and POD), which help plants combat stress. Additionally, GA3 reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker of cellular damage, and increased chlorophyll content, supporting better photosynthesis.
For farmers and agronomists dealing with salinized soils, these findings highlight GA3 as an effective tool to protect maize seedlings. By optimizing GA3 application—especially at 80 mg·L⁻¹—growers can mitigate salt stress impacts, ensuring stronger, more resilient maize crops.