Evaluation of germination ability of cotton cultivars (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under artificial stress conditions

The present study aimed to evaluate the resistance in water stress conditions of the cultivated varieties in Greece, taking into consideration not only the economic importance of cotton worldwide and especially in Greece, where almost 10% of the agriculture land was cotton cultivated, but also the importance of the factors which interfere in its seed germination. Eleven cotton cultivars were evaluated for germination efficiency concerning both, the relevant percentage and the germination rates. Seeds from selected varieties cultivated in Greece, were placed for seven days, in conditions of increased osmotic pressure achieved by gradually increasing concentrations of polyethylene-glycol solutions. A differentiation in cultivars behavior concerning the percentage and the germination rate was observed. Among the eleven cultivars tested “Hermes” was the least and “Sandra” was the most affected concerning the two measured parameters. The remaining cultivars are graded in intermediate order. In all cases the cultivar × polyethylene-glycol interaction was significant.