Abiotic Stress and Seed Germination: Insights from Drought Adapted Plants of Arid Indian Regions

This study investigates the impact of abiotic stress, particularly drought, on seed germination in drought-adapted plant species native to the arid regions of India, such as Rajasthan and Gujarat. The research aims to understand how water-deficit conditions affect germination dynamics and early seedling development. Laboratory experiments simulated drought conditions using varying concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) to induce osmotic stress. Selected plant species were evaluated for germination percentage, mean germination time, seedling vigor, and biochemical markers including proline accumulation and antioxidant activity. Results revealed significant interspecies variation in drought tolerance, with certain native species demonstrating robust germination performance even under high stress. The findings highlight the adaptive mechanisms of these species and underscore their potential role in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration in water-scarce environments. This research contributes to the development of drought-resilient crops and supports strategic planning for agriculture in regions increasingly affected by climate variability.