Screening tomato genotypes for early-stage drought tolerance using polyethylene glycol-induced osmotic stress.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Drought stress is a major abiotic constraint to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production, particularly at early developmental stages. Screening genotypes under controlled osmotic stress is crucial for identifying drought-tolerant cultivars. This study evaluated five tomato genotypes Khumal 2, Monoprecos, NGRCO9569, NGRCO9571, and Srijana for germination and seedling performance under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought stress to identify resilient candidates for breeding programs.

Results

A completely randomized design (CRD) experiment was conducted under three PEG levels (0%, 3%, and 6%). Significant genotype × stress interactions were observed (p < 0.05) across germination and seedling traits. NGRCO9569, Monoprecos, and Khumal 2 maintained high germinat

SUBMITTER: Yadav PK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12574257 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature