Effects of osmotic stress on germination characteristics of tomato
Six tomato cultivars (Fen HV - 071, Zhongza No. 9, Jinzhu HV - 029, Dashengnv HV - 073, Lvguoand TIIl 103B - 2) were treated for 12 days with 6 different osmotic concentrations of PEG 6000 (7.5% y10% 、12.5%、15% 、17.5% and 20% )respectively during germination stage. Germination energy, germination rate and other 6 germination indexes were measured and analyzed by subordinate function and grey correlative degree analysis methods for screening the optimum osmotic stress concentration and evaluation indexes of drought resistance identification of tomato at germination stage. The results showed that the 10% ~ 12.5% PEG 6000 was the optimum concentration and the vitality index was a reliable index to identify the drought resistance of tomato during germination stage. The drought resistance of the six varieties decreased in the order as: Fen HV - 071, Zhongza No.9, Jinzhu HV - 029, Dashengnv HV - 073,Lvguo and TIIl 103B -2, and the drought resistance of Fen HV -071, Zhongza No.9 was significantly higher than that of Lvguo and THIIO3B- 2. The correlation order of drought resistance with indexes was: vitality index > germination rate > germination energy > germination index > germination speed > hypocotyl damage rate > radicle damage rate > seeding damage rate.