Characterization of two Peruvian maize landraces differing in boron toxicity tolerance

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Physiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Boron (B) toxicity significantly reduces crop yield and quality, particularly in arid/semi-arid regions.
• High boron levels are prevalent in agricultural lands and irrigation water in Tacna, Peru.
• Maize (Zea mays) is a vital crop susceptible to boron toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the response of two local maize landraces (Pachía and Sama) from Tacna to boron toxicity.
• To compare their physiological and genetic mechanisms for coping with high boron concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Hydroponic cultivation of maize landraces under control and boron toxicity conditions.
• Measurement of soluble boron content, B-transporter gene expression, and morphological/physiological parameters.
• Analysis of leaf and root tissues after 10 days of treatment.

Main Results:

• The Sama landrace exhibited lower soluble boron content in leaves and roots compared to Pachía under high boron stress.
• Sama demonstrated higher expression levels of boron-efflux transporters.
• Sama maintained better photosynthetic and growth parameters with reduced leaf damage.

Conclusions:

• The Sama landrace possesses a superior capacity to manage boron toxicity compared to Pachía.
• Enhanced boron transport mechanisms in Sama contribute to its resilience.
• Sama is a more suitable maize landrace for cultivation in boron-toxic soils of Tacna.