Effect of Water Stress on Seed Germination of Agropyron Elongatum, Agropyron Desertourm & Secale Montanum

Abstract

Physiological effect of six levels of water stress (0, -0.1, -.03, -0.6, -0.9 and -1.2 MP) was studied on seed germination and plumule as well as radicule growth length in three species namely: Agropyron elongatum, Agropyron desertourm and Secale montanum. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to provide appropriate water potentials. A total of 100 seeds in four replications (Petri dishes) were sown from each species. Experimental design was a factorial one of complete randomized design. Maximum germination rate was obtained at 0 MP. Germination rate and plumule and radicule growth declined with water potential level. The most resistance species to water stress are Secale montanum, Agropyron elongatum and Agropyron desertorum respectively.