Effect of water stress on germination of some Hungarian wheat landraces varieties

Abstract

In order to examine germination characters, seedling parameters, water relative content, tolerance index and enzyme activities of seven Hungarian wheat landraces varieties (Tiszadadai, Riscsei, Komloi, Leweucei, Mateteleki, Mikebudai and Nyiradi) under five concentrations of water stress (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). A laboratory experiment has been conducted through Factorial Experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four repetitions at Research Institute of Nyiregyhaza, Hungary. From the obtained results, Leweucei variety was surpassed other studied verities under study and recorded the highest values of all studied characters followed by Mateteleki, Komloi, Nyiradi, Riscsei, Tiszadadai and Mikebudai. Increasing water stress (PEG-6000) from 0 to 6, 12, 18 and 24% significantly reduced germination characters, seedlings parameters, water relative content (WRC), tolerance index and α and β-amylases activities. Generally, under water stress condition, Leweucei and Mateteleki varieties were recorded the highest values of water relative content (WRC), tolerance index (TI) and α and β-amylases activities as well as able to prompt better drought tolerance and could be suggested as a good resource for breeding programs and cultivation under drought stress conditions compared with other wheat landraces varieties.