Study of the effects of drought stress on seed germination factors and activity of antioxidant enzymes in Bean genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Drought stress is one of the major causes of reducing crop improvement. To evaluate the effects of drought tolerance on seed characteristics the tolerant and sensitive seed genotypes of common bean were tested in petri dishes containing polyethylene glycol 6000 with concentration equal to 0, -4, -8 and -12 bar, according to CRD design with three replications in factorial arrangement. 9 day later, radice and caulice lengths were scored. The results showed that drought stress decreased rate and percentage of germination, radice and caulice lengths, fresh and dry weight of radices, and fresh and dry weight of caulice. To study biochemical processes in germination stages, genotypes 18, 25, and 29 and commercial variety of Yas were screened for polyethylene glycol 6000 with concentration equal to 0, -4, -8 and -12 bar. By evaluating of the studied traits and indices, with considering physiological and biochemical characteristics, it could be conclude that genotype 1189 was drought tolerant one in seedling stage in comparison to the rest of genotypes and Yas as a check variety.