Effect of potassium-rich maize (Zea mays L.) straw extract on salt stress mitigation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings

Saline soil significantly hinders crop growth potential, reducing grain yields. Applying maize (Zea mays L.) straw extract, rich in potassium ions (K+), in saline soil regions may help alleviate salt stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings by rendering higher K+ levels and reducing magnesium ion (Mg2+) exudation. This study examines the effects of maize straw extract on the growth and physiology of wheat seedlings (Qingmai 6) under salt stress, applying low (0.01 g mL-1) and high (0.05 g mL-1) doses of maize straw extract under salinity conditions of low (1.0%) and high (1.5%) salt (NaCl) solutions. We found that seedlings treated with high-concentration maize straw extract under low salt conditions exhibited significantly greater total root length than without straw extract. The straw extract also helped maintain a favourable ion balance and improved the K+/Na+ and Mg2+/Na+ ratios in the wheat seedlings. Furthermore, under high salt stress conditions, the application of straw extract resulted in a notably lower proline content, indicating a significant alleviating effect. These findings highlight the importance of conducting additional research to explore the effectiveness of straw extract as a potential solution for salt stress in wheat seedlings.