Hydration is the most important external factor for seed germination. To simulate the complex soil conditions solutions with different osmotic potentials have been used to soak substrata. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effects of hydric and saline stress to germination and strength of bean seeds. Seeds of the cultivar IAPAR were germinated in towel-paper soaked in PEG 6000 and NaCl solutions in the zero osmotic potentials; -0.05; -0.10; -0.15; -0.20; -0.25 and 0.30 MPa. Seed performance was evaluated through the germination test, first count of germination, length, and dry seedling weight. In conclusion, osmotic potential reduction, induced by Polyethylene glicol (PEG) 6000 or Sodium chlorine (NaCl), reduces the strength and, from -0.20 to -0.30 MPa, the germination of bean seeds. The PEG 6000 produces more severe and adverse effects than the NaCl in the physiologic quality of been seeds.
Phaseolus vulgaris L.; germination; vigor; hydric stress
