A Study on the Influence of Induced Water Stress on Seeds Germination and Seedlings Growth of Silybum marianum

Abstract

The effect of water stress induced by using polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) on germination of seeds and growth of seedlings of Silybum marianum was studied.  Two  concentrations  of PEG  were used to get two water stresses (-0.4 & -0.8 bar) as well as the control for comparison. The results showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in germination  ratio compared  with  the control.  The ratio did  not slow down to less than 50% which indicates the ability of the seeds to resist water stress to some extent. Also, a significant decrease (P<0.05)  in the  length  of  shoot  and  root was  observed  compared with the control. This plant showed an ability to recover when the water stress was broken and the shoot recovery was larger to some extent than the root.