Effect of vermicompost extract on germination characteristics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under drought stress

Organic compost can reduce different plant stresses, due to its porous structure, high water storage capacity, and exsistance of some substances resembling hormones and plant growth regulators. This study was performed to investigate interactions of different levels of vermicompost extract and drought stress on germination characteristics of chickpea seedlings. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with three replications. Seeds were sown in Petri dishes at four different concentrations of vermicompost extract and four levels of negative water potential. The seedlings were sampled after 14 days. Results showed that there was a significant difference (P 0.01) between different drought levels regarding germination percentage, germination speed index, plumule and radical length, plumule and radical dry weigh, vigor index and consumed endosperm. Drought stress with -9 bar level significantly decreased germination percentage, germination speed index, plumule and radical length, plumule and radical dry weigh, vigor index and consumed endosperm compared to control. vermicompost extract without drought at concentrations of 5 volumetric percentage caused significant increase (P 0.01) in plumule and radical length and root dry weight. Effects of drought and vermicompost extract were not significant differences on plumule length, plumule dry weight, root dry weight, vigor index and consumed endosperm but on the germination percentage, germination speed index, radical length and radical dry weight were significant (P 0.05).