Screening of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes for Germination and Early Seedling Growth under PEG 6000 Induced Drought Stress

Background: Drought stress at germination and early growth stages hinders the seedling establishment in chickpea which ultimately affects the economic yield. Such adverse affects of drought can be mitigated by screening and identifying the tolerant genotypes of chickpea which is commonly cultivated under rain-fed conditions during post-rainy season.Methods: Effect of drought stress on germination and early seedling growth of thirty three chickpea genotypes was studied under four different concentrations of PEG 6000 (-0.3,-0.6,-0.9 and-1.2 MPa) along with control and hydration under laboratory conditions during 2018-19.Result: Significant variation was observed among the genotypes for germination, root length, shoot length and seedling vigour index under different concentrations of PEG 6000. Complete inhibition of germination was observed in most of the genotypes at-1.2 MPa. Based on the results obtained, JG 11 and NBeG 3 were considered as tolerant since they showed comparatively higher germination, root length, shoot length and seedling vigour even at-1.2 MPa, while NBeG 723 and NBeG 833 were considered as susceptible genotypes because of their poor germination and seedling growth even at lower levels of drought stress.