Effects of PEG Stress on Seed Germination and Seedling Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Two New Highland Barley Lines

PurposeTo study the effects of drought on the seed germination and seedling growth of highland barley, and to improve the survival rate of highland barley seedlings in arid environment.

MethodUsing Dianqing No.1 and Dianqing No.2 as materials, different PEG mass fraction gradients (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) were used to determine the physiology of seed germination and seedlings. Biochemical characteristics were used to analyze the response law of two new highland barley lines to drought.

ResultsThe suitable mass fraction (5%) of PEG was beneficial to promote highland barley seed germination and seedling growth. With the increase of the degree of drought, the content of malondialdehyde, soluble protein and free proline, and SOD activity also increased obviously. The physiological and biochemical changes of highland barley roots under drought treatment were more obvious than those of the aboveground parts; the seeds of Dianqing No.2 germinated indexes were lower than that of Dianqing No.1, and the physiological and biochemical changes of seedlings were higher than those of Dianqing No.1, that was, Dianqing No.2 was more affected by drought, and Dianqing No.1 seedlings had stronger drought resistance.

Conclusion5% PEG treatment is beneficial to seed germination and seedling growth of Dianqing No.1 and Dianqing No.2, and Dianqing No.1 has better drought resistance than Dianqing No.2.