The effect of PEG-6000 induced water stress on germination and early seedling growth stages was studied. Five to mato germplasm were tested for drought tolerance using 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%,10%, 12%, 14% and 16% PEG-6000 and the data was recorded on various seedling parameters like germination rate, root length and shoot length.The experiment was carried out in three replicates under Complete Randomized Design. No significant difference was observed in germination rate between control and PEG induced drought stress up to 12% PEG concentration. After this critical point, a reduction in germination ratewas observed and all the varieties were unable to germinate at 22% of PEG solution. The shoot length increased significantly in Arka Rakshak, Arka Vikas and PKM-OP at 2% PEG stress condition in comparison to control. Subsequently noteworthy reduction was noticed in root and shoot length with the increasing PEG concentration. The longest shoot length (6.5 cm) was noticed in Arka Rakshak at 2% PEG in comparison to other germplasm. A positive correlation between shoot length and root length at all stress conditions was noticed. The results obtained in present investigation provided useful data in screening of drought tolerant germplasm using PEG.
