ALLELOPATHIC ASSESSMENT OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED AND NON MODIFIED MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) ON PHYSIOLOGY OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the allelopathic effect of 3 extracts viz 3%,5% and 10% prepared from leaves of GM (insect resistance) and non GM maize on physiology of succeeding crop wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The extracts prepared from GM maize significantly decreased chlorophyll a content but significantly increased chlorophyll b content as compared with untreated control. Content of chlorophyll a non-significantly decreased but content of chlorophyll b significantly increased with methanolic extract prepared from non GM maize. Significant decrease in carotenoid content was found with aqueous extracts of both GM and non GMmaize.GM maize leaves extracts significantly decreased proline but have no effect on protein and sugar content of wheat plant. Significant increase in protein and sugar content was found with aqueous extract of non GM maize as compared with untreated control. Significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nonsignificant increase in catalase was found with aqueous extracts however activity of peroxidase (POD) decreased in wheat crop with GM maize leaves extracts. Non-significant increase in antioxidant activities were found with treatment of non GM maize leaves extracts as compared with untreated control.