Effect of seed vigour on stress tolerance of barley (Hordeum vulgare) seed at germination stage

Abstract

One of the prerequisites of efficient crop production is the use of high vigour seed that could guarantee a vigorous establishment. Seed production under organic and low input conditions is more difficult compared to conventional systems. Either nutrient or drought stress during seed development on parent plants can affect subsequent seed quality. The effects of both stresses on the subsequent germination of barley seeds were evaluated under drought and salt stress using either polyethylene glycol or NaCl at osmotic potentials of 0, -0.4, -0.8, -1 and -1.2 MPa. Barely seeds were produced under different irrigation (stressed and normal) and fertilizing systems (organic and chemical) in two cropping seasons (2007-2008). Water stress in the field during seed development reduced 1000 seed weight and Mean germination time (MGT) in both years. The seeds produced by plants at severe or moderate drought stress treatments had a higher germination percentage and lower MGT in stressed conditions applied by PEG and NaCl compared to the control. Seeds produced at either organic or low input fertilizing systems, had a better germination percentage at different solution potentials compared to chemical fertilizing system. Drought stress (during grain filling) improved tolerance of the seeds to osmotic or salt stress during germination, imposed by PEG and NaCl.