In Vitro Screening for Some Wheat Genotypes towards Drought at Germination and Seedling Stages

Abstract

Eight wheat genotypes were screened in this study at germination and seedling stages using PEG 6000 to mimic drought in the laboratory. The experiment was conducted using Complete Randomized Design and the genotypes were evaluated by Cluster analysis and Analysis of variance based on the sum of drought tolerance relative values for several traits at germination (final germination percentage, germination speed and germination vigour) and seedling stages (root length, shoot length, root number, shoot number). The results revealed that there was genetic variation among studied genotypes and also showed that the using of previous criteria was successful in screening genotypes under study. Jolan 2 and Bouhuth 7 were classified as tolerant genotypes as well as Bouhuth 11 as a sensitive tolerant at both stages. In addition, the classification of some genotypes was changed as the phonological phase changes (for instance, Cham 3 was sensitive at germination stage and tolerant at seedling stage). In conclusion, the screening technique based on the sum of several traits instead of one or two traits was shown as a useful tool in classifying genotypes in response to drought.