Abstract
This study aimed to estimate genetic variability among four pea cultivars and determine seed physiological quality and initial growth of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) under drought stress. Seeds of the pea cultivars were subjected to water stress induced by polyethylene glycol PEG 6000 at three stress levels (0; -0.15; -0.49, and -1.03 MPa). The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions, in a completely randomized design with four replications, to estimate germination energy, germination, abnormal seedlings, fresh and dry shoot and root biomass, and drought tolerance index. Drought stress significantly affected germination and the other traits, with the stress effects being proportional to the stress level applied. Findings point to the fact that the osmotic potential of -0.49 MPa might be the germination sensitivity threshold for pea cultivars. The pea cultivar C1 was the most tolerant, having the highest germination, fresh and dry shoot and root biomass, and DTI under severe drought stress. Further research on the assessment of physiological and biochemical responses to drought stress is needed to confirm the findings of the present study.
Highlights
Worldwide agricultural productivity is exposed to increasing environmental constraints in the form of abiotic stresses, which affect plant growth and development, causing yield loss of more than 50% (Wu et al, 2011; Vijay et al, 2018)
The seeds of the tested pea cultivars were submitted to a germination test, using different osmotic potentials (-0.15, -0.49, and -1.03 MPa) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 solutions to simulate drought (Nicholas, 1989)
The present study aimed to examine the effects of different osmotic potentials of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 solution on physiological seed quality and initial seedling growth stage in four pea cultivars grown under controlled conditions
Summary
Worldwide agricultural productivity is exposed to increasing environmental constraints in the form of abiotic stresses, which affect plant growth and development, causing yield loss of more than 50% (Wu et al, 2011; Vijay et al, 2018). Reduced water availability in the soil is the main component of drought stress (Mohammadkhari and Heidri, 2008), leading to an increase in the concentration of dissolved substances, acceleration of degenerative reactions, denaturation of proteins, loss of membrane integrity and a significant increase in abnormal seedlings (Pereira et al, 2020). Reduced water availability affects germination, initial growth, root development and shoot elongation, which is a critical phase in seedling establishment. Water deficit leads to a reduction in germination or even its absence (Miladinov et al, 2020)
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