Effect of Drought-induced Stress on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Zea mays L.

Abstract

Background: Drought is one of the major abiotic factors leading to diminishing growth, development and productivity of plants worldwide. Considering that germination is the first phase of growth which in large measure determines plant quality and yield, knowing the effects of different factors on this process is of major importance. This paper studies the effect of drought-induced stress on seed germination and seedling growth of Zea mays L. (the Sweet corn and the hybrid Pioneer B23). Methods: The effect of water stress was caused by different concentrations of mannitol: 5%, 10% and 20%. In the control, we used distilled water. The germination test was performed in three trials of 45 seeds each. The germination percentage, germination potential, drought resistance index were calculated at 3, 5 and 7 days. Growth of seedlings and biomass content were calculate at 14 days.Result: The results show significant differences between the variety and hybrid examined. The pioneer B23 seed germinated in larger number and more quickly. The Sweet corn variety seedling growth was completely absent after treatment with mannitol. The observed difference is certainly not just a consequence of higher mannitol concentrations, but also a difference in the water-retention capability of the variety and hybrid studied.