Effects of artificial seed ageing on germination indices, seedling establishment and yield of two red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars

To study the effects of artificial seed ageing on germination indices in the laboratory condition and seedling establishment and yield of two red kidney bean genotypes in the field condition, an experiment was carried out at Research Field of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran in 2011. The two experiment design, were as factorial with four replications arranged in randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) and complete randomized design (CRD) for field and laboratory condition, respectively. The experimental treatments consisted of four levels of seed ageing – 0 (control), 2, 4 and 6 days seed ageing – and two red bean genotypes (Akhtar and Sayyad). Results showed that germination percentage, germination rate, normal seedling and seedling vigor index significantly decreased by seed ageing treatment in standard germination test. Also, seed ageing significantly decreased germination percentage, germination rate, seedling length and dry weight, normal seedling and seedling vigor index in accelerated ageing test. Studied genotypes was different in terms of germination percentage, germination rate, normal seedling, seedling length, seedling vigor index and electrical conductivity test. In the electrical conductivity test, seed leakage increased by increment of seed ageing level and is sever in Akhtar compared to Sayyad. In the field condition, seedling emergence and grain yield significantly affected by genotype and seed ageing. Seedling emergence index, seedling establishment percentage and grain yield decreased by seed ageing treatment that was severe in Akhtar than that of Sayyad genotype.