Effect of different levels of drought stress on the germination and seedling growth parameters of three wheat cultivars seeds

Abstract

Seed germination of three varieties of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) CONDOR, SERI and T.R. evaluated under 5 drought levels (0.0 mPa (control),-0.3 mPa, -0.6 mPa, -0.9 mPa and -1.2 mPa). We used polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) to make drought stress conditions. Germinated seeds were counted daily up to 14 days under laboratory conditions. Percentage and mean germination time, coefficients of germination, mean germination rate, and uncertainty of germination process as germination parameters. Shoots and roots length; fresh, dry weight of shoots and roots, leaves and roots number, the surface area of leaves as seedling growth parameters were studied. The data was analyzed statistically using SPSS software, to identify significant differences among wheat varieties and among treatment. Comparison between means showed that the highest value for most of germination parameters recorded for SERI variety followed by T.R., and most of seedling growth parameters were recorded for T.R. followed by SERI. The results determined that seeds of all varieties germinate well in the lowest concentration of PEG. Increase the concentration of PEG affect all germination and seedling growth parameters.