Effect of water stress on seed germination of Artemisia spicigera & Artemisia fragrans

Abstract

Physiological effect of five levels of water stress (0,-0.3,-6,-9 and -1.2MP) was studied on seed germination and tigella as well as radicule growth length in two different Artemisia species namely: Artemisia spicigera and Artemisia fragrans. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to provide appropriate water potentials. A total of 50 seeds were sown from each Artemisia species. Experimental design was a factorial one of complete randomized design. Maximum germination rate was obtained at -0.3 MP. Germination rate, and tigella & radicule growth lengths declined with decreasing water potential level. Artemisia spicigera was more resistant to water stress in comparison with Artemisia fragrans.

Keywords

• water stress
• polyethylene glycol
• germination
• tigella
• radicule