Influence of biostimulants on germination and seedling development of Phaseolus vulgaris in water restriction

Abstract

Innovative technologies are emerging in the agricultural market to increase plants performance and pro­ductivity. We tested the effect of L-glutamic aminoacid on the germination and development of Phaseolus vulgaris seeds subjected to water restriction by applying different concentrations of the amino acid (0, 75, 150 and 300 mg L-1) on seeds placed on hydrated filter paper with polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) at different osmotic potentials (0, -0.2, -0.4 and -0.6 MPa). We concluded that, when the osmotic potential was equal or or less -0.2 Mpa, the application of 75, 150 and 300 mg L-1 concentrations of L-glutamic amino acid did not promote the development of seedlings and had a negative impact on germination. Seedling development was drastically affected when the osmotic potential was equal or less than -0.2 Mpa, showing evidence of decrease in germination, in root length and in volume of seedlings.