Exogenous H2O2 alleviates maize seed germination and seedling physiology property under drought stress

Hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) is an important signaling molecule in plant body, which is involved in the regulation of multiple abiotic stresses.This study investigated the ability of exogenous H ₂ O ₂ to alleviate drought stress in maize ( Zea mays L.) seedlings. With maize seeds as the test material, used the filter paper germination method. The seeds were treated with different concentrations of exogenous H ₂ O ₂ under 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) stress to measure seed germination, seedling growth and physiological indicators. The results showed that 10% PEG treatment alone obviously inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth; Treatment with 0.02% H ₂ O ₂ significantly improved the germination potential and vitality index of maize seeds under PEG stress, promoted the growth of seedling buds and roots, enhanced the activity of APX, SOD and CAT in buds and roots, reduced the MDA content, and promoted the increment of proline and soluble sugars. The above results indicated that exogenous 0.02% H ₂ O ₂ treatment could activate antioxidant enzyme activity and reduce oxidative damage under drought stress, thus alleviating maize drought tolerance at the seed germination stage.