Chelator Iminodisuccinic Acid Regulates Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation and Improves Maize ( L.) Seed Germination under Pb Stress.

To explore the effects of iminodisuccinic acid (a chelating agent) on maize ( L.) seed germination under lead (Pb) stress, we comparatively analyzed the effects of applying different concentrations of iminodisuccinic acid (0, 5, 20, and 100 mmol·dm) and combined an addition of exogenous substances regulating reactive oxygen species production on maize seed germination, seedling growth, HO content, NADPH oxidase activity, and antioxidant enzyme activities under Pb-stressed and Pb-free conditions. Iminodisuccinic acid (100 mmol·dm) significantly delayed seed germination under normal germination conditions and alleviated the inhibitory effects of Pb stress (20 mmol·dm) on seed germination.