Trichoderma for mitigating the effects of salinity on maize seed germination

Soil salinity poses an increasing challenge to modern agriculture by compromising seed germination and initial vigor. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of Trichoderma to mitigate the adverse effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) on maize seed germination. The experiment was conducted on germination paper, and rolls were maintained in a germination chamber for 7 days at 25 ± 2°C and a 12 hr photoperiod. The evaluated parameters included (1) vigor at first count, (2) germination, (3) seedling length, and (4) dry mass. First, different osmotic potentials were employed to determine the degree of seed sensitivity to salinity. Subsequently, 0 and -0.1 MPa (NaCl) were selected for the experiment. The seeds were inoculated with Trichoderma in two doses (T1 and T2) and compared to control (T0). Salt stress considerably reduced seedling vigor, length, and dry mass, however, inoculation with Trichoderma mitigated these negative effects, maintaining high germination rates and partially preserving seedling growth under saline conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of this microorganism to serve as a bioagent to mitigate salt stress and provide a sustainable alternative to improve physiological performance of maize in salinized soils.