Screening of tomato genotypes using osmopriming with PEG 6000 under salinity stress

Abstract

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of osmopriming with PEG 6000 on five tomato genotypes viz. Kashi Vishesh, Kashi Amrit, Kashi Anupam, Kashi Hemant and Kashi Sarad, under salinity stress. Seeds were primed with varying concentration of PEG 6000 i.e. (-0.5, -1.0, -1.5, -2.0 MPa) and along with one hydroprimed for 48 hours at 25°C. Dry tomato seeds served as control (non-primed). Treated seeds of all varieties were sown in Petri dishes supplied with three different concentrations of salt solution i.e. 4, 8 and 12dSm-1 and along with one control. Results of variance analysis made clear that different osmotic potential and priming duration had significant effect on germination percentage, vigor index and dry weight. Of the five tomato genotypes, Kashi Hemant primed with -0.5 Mpa showed highest per cent germination (71 %), seedling length (18 cm), seed vigor index (994) and dry weight (14 mg) at 4 dSm -1 as compared to 8 dSm -1, 12 dSm -1 and control respectively. The results revealed that the same variety has immense potential to tolerate salinity stress. Furthermore, it was also observed that primed seeds exhibited better stress tolerance than non-primed seeds.