Welcome to Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin,

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2015, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (26): 7-11.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb15010184

Special Issue: 农业气象

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Effects of PEG-6000 Drought Stress on Seed Germination of Five Forage Grass Species

Chen Xiaoqian, Xu Qingguo   

  1. (College of Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128)
  • Received:2015-01-26 Revised:2015-05-22 Accepted:2015-06-08 Online:2015-09-23 Published:2015-09-23

Abstract: In order to understand the seed drought resistance of five cool-season forage grass species during seed germination period, PEG-6000 at the concentration of 5%, 10% and 15% were used as the penetration media to simulate drought stress. And effects of different drought stresses on germination of different cool-season forage grass seeds (Medicago sativa L., Trifolium repens L., Lolium perenne L., Trifolium pratense, Agrostis tenuis Sibth.) were studied. Four indicators which were germination rate, germination potential, germination index and seed vitality index were measured. The results showed that germination rate, germination potential, germination index and seed vitality index of T. repens , M. sativa , L. perenne , A. tenuis all decreased with the increase of PEG-6000 concentration. The four indicators of T. pratense increased at 5% PEG-6000 concentration. Regression statistical tests and hierachical cluster analysis showed that drought resistance of the five forage grass species was in an order as A. tenuis>T. pratense>M. sativa>T. repens>L. perenne.