Study of Catalase Activity and Photosynthetic Efficiency of Maize Lines under Fusarium Contamination (Fusarium verticillioides)

Abstract In order to evaluate the effect of Fusarium verticillioides on seed yield, catalase (CAT) activity on polyacrylamide gel and quantum yield of maize line, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with five replications during 2017 growing season at the Payame Noor University, Mamaghan branch was performed. The experimental factors were two maize lines (B73 and MO17) and two levels of F. verticillioides (control and fusarium contamination). The results indicated that Fusarium verticillioides reduced seed yield, but enhanced CAT acivity in two maize lines. Further more, minimum fluorescence (Fo) in MO17 decreased, and increased in B73. Water splitting complex at donor side of PSII (FV/Fo) in B73 was increased, but was decreased in MO17. The level of maximum fluorescence (FM) in both line decreased. The energy necessary for closing reaction centers in PSII (Sm) and number of the QA reduction during fluorescence from Fo until FM (N) in MO17 were increased, but were decreased in B73. The results of this study revealed++ using from the chlorophyll a fluorescence can be a rapid and non-destructive method for evaluation of the maize reactions to injures caused by fusarium fungi infections.