Barley seed sensitivity to water stress at germination stage

Abstract

Barley seed sensitivity to water and anoxia was tested. Standard germination, mean time of germination (MTG), germination in sand wetted by water to 100% water capacity (anoxia) or by hydrogen peroxide (wet conditions without anoxia), germination in 0.75% hydrogen peroxide and laboratory emergence (15 and 20°C) were evaluated. Barley seed responds sensitively to stress conditions during germination. Significant germination decrease was found in abundance of water. Percentage of reduction depends on the variety and on the year of seed production. Extreme values of water sensitivity are in interval 4–90%. At wetted sand by 0.75%, solution of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> the germination was significantly less reduced. That means that barley seed is very sensitive to oxygen deficiency above all and is less injured by quick imbibition. Heterogeneity in seed vigour was demonstrated in laboratory emergence tests. Quick test of germination in 0.75% hydrogen peroxide deserves attention for its high correlation coefficient with the seed laboratory emergence. The results significantly demonstrate a higher sensitivity of deteriorated seed to germination in abiotic stresses conditions. Variability in speed of germination is increasing, which unfavourably extends the mean time of germination.