Optimization of osmotic stress induced by different concentrations of polyethylene glycol–6000 for drought tolerance screening in eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.,)

HARISH BABU; B.N.; GOBU; R

Volume : V, Issue : II, February - 2016

Optimization of osmotic stress induced by different concentrations of polyethylene glycol–6000 for drought tolerance screening in eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.,)

Harish Babu, B. N. , Gobu, R

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp;An attempt was made to optimize the degree of osmotic stress induced by different concentrations of PEG&ndash;6000 for drought tolerance screening in eggplant cv. Green Round. Six different concentrations of PEG&ndash;6000 (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 percent) along with a control (Distilled water) were used. Significant differences were observed for germination per cent, lengths of root, shoot and seedlings, seed vigour and root/shoot ratio at different concentrations of PEG&ndash;6000 (p &lt; 0.01). The PEG&ndash;6000 concentration above 12.5% has drastically reduced per cent germination, seed vigor and there was a significant increase in root/shoot ratio at 12.5% PEG&ndash; 6000. Hence, 12.5% PEG&ndash;6000 appears to be an ideal concentration for drought tolerance screening of eggplant in vitro.</p>