Physiological and biochemical responses of maize (Zea mays L.) to plant derived smoke solution

Plant-derived smoke is known as plant growth regulator by affecting plant growth and developmental processes. Current study highlights the priming effects of smoke solutions on physiological and biochemical attributes of maize. Maize seeds were presoaked in distilled water (as control), concentrated and 500 times diluted smoke solution of Cymbopogon jawarncusa (C. jawarncusa) plant for 0, 6, 12 and 18h. Significant increase (p<0.05) in seed germination, seedling length and biomass with increased presoaking hours was observed. Inhibitory effects of concentrated smoke solutions were higher with the increase in presoaking hours. The content of chlorophyll (a and b) pigments, total carotenoids and total soluble proteins were increased in seedling treated with smoke dilution (1:500). These results suggested that plant derived smoke solutions have positive effects on plant physiological and biochemical growth parameters and diluted smoke solution has potential application in agriculture since it is economical and environment friendly.