Impact of PPFM and PGRs on Seed Germination, Stress Tolerant Index and Catalase Activity in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) under Drought

Abstract

Drought is major abiotic stress around the world which posturing great challenges to the germination, growth and production of crops. Early crop growth stages like germination and seedling growth are very critical under drought. Seed treatment technologies are required to enhance the germination and stress tolerant index of the seedlings under drought condition. The investigation was aimed to carry out to assess the impact of PPFM (Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph) and PGRs on alleviating the drought stress effects in tomato in early growth stage. Laboratory experiment was carried out in tomato variety PKM 1 and seeds soaking with different plant growth regulators like brassinolide (1 ppm), salicylic acid (100 ppm), benzyl amino purine (100 ppm) and gibberellic acid (10 ppm) and PPFM (1%), PPFM (2%) and PPFM (3%) under drought condition created by PEG 6000. The study indicated that the PPFM and PGRs could be effectively used for improving seed germination and its associated traits under drought. Among the PGRs and different concentrations of PPFM used, PPFM (2%) was found to superior in improving germination associated traits and stress tolerant index. The anti-oxidant enzyme catalase activity was enhanced by PPFM (2%) and brassinolide (1 ppm) treatments which has the ability to protect the plant under abiotic stress.