Effects of Phytohormones on Reversing the Inhibitory Action of Aflatoxin B1 on the Growth of Maize Seeds (Zea mays L.)

The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of phytohormones namely gibberellic acid (GA3) and kinetin on aflatoxins B1 treated maize seeds var madhuri-01. Maize seeds were treated with aflatoxins B1 separately and in combination of phytohormones at a concentration of 2.0 ppm each. Reversal of inhibitory effect of aflatoxin B1 on the seed germination, root, shoot length, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid of maize seed in presence of phytohormone was observed. The inhibitory effect of aflatoxins B1, on seed germination, root length, shoot length, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid content were 78.57%, 65.03%, 63%, 74%, 72% and 85%, respectively. However, when the maize seeds were treated in combination of aflatoxins B1 with kinetin and aflatoxin B1 with GA3, reversal of the inhibitory effect of aflatoxin B1 was observed to great extent. Taken together, the reversal of phytoinhibitory effect of aflatoxin B1 by GA3 and kinetin could be of agricultural significance.