Effect of different osmotic potentials using polyethylene glycol on the germination and growth of seedlings of three varieties of soybean

Abstract

One of the main problems in agricultural production is the variation in the amount and distribution of rainfall, resulting in periods of drought affecting crop production and sustainability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the germination and growth of three soybean varieties in different osmotic potentials obtained with polyethylene glycol. The experiment was performedat the Laboratory ofAnalysis and Quality of Seeds, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences of the National University of Asunción. Three soybean varieties were studied (RA-626, FCEP-55 and A-5543) exposed to five osmotic levels (0,0;-0,2;-0,4;0,6 y -0,8 MPa), deduced from the formula Michell and Kaufman. The variables analyzed were: percentage of germination, height of the plants and dry matter, and tolerance under water stress conditions. The design used was completely random with a factorial arrangement. The treatments will be randomized complete factorial arrangement. The data were analyzed through analysis of variance and by the Duncan test at 5%. The results showed that the decrease in the osmotic potential induced by PEG6000, is negative in the simulation of drought in soybean seeds. The osmotic potential of 0.60MPa induced by PEG 6000 prevents germination and vigor of soybean seeds. It is concluded that variety A-5543 showed the greatest tolerance under water stress conditions under study.