Effect of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)-induced drought stress on germination and seedling development of capsicum varieties

Abstract Food security is one of the major global challenges of the twenty-first century. Crop yield is estimated to decline by 5 to 30% from 2050 onwards compared to 1990. Climate change has a major impact on crop production. Drought stress is a significant environmental factor affecting plant growth and crop productivity and understanding its impact on capsicum production is crucial for development of drought-tolerant varieties. This experiment was carried out to find the drought tolerant varieties. The study was conducted in two factorial completely randomized designs with three replications, subjecting capsicum seeds of four different varieties to three different polyethylene glycol concentrations. The observation revealed that Boxer and California wonder showed statistically similarity in most of the growth parameters where Ganga showed significantly reduced performances in few parameters at seedling stage with increase in PEG concentration. Unlike these varieties, Red Variety showed drastic reduction in all the parameters. Results showed these varieties were more tolerant even up to higher drought conditions up to -0.36 MPa, but the red variety was susceptible even to lower drought conditions (-0.18 MPa). The four capsicum varieties were grouped into two clusters, with the Red variety genotype in one and Boxer, California Wonder, and Ganga under another. The promising varieties Boxer, California Wonder, and Ganga were identified as drought tolerant and can be utilized in breeding programs aimed at developing drought tolerant capsicum varieties or can be recommended in areas with lower irrigation facilities. Based on the results, it is recommended to explore the genetic basis of drought tolerance in capsicum genotypes. This can be achieved through genetic studies, such as quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and genomic selection, to identify the key genes and markers associated with drought tolerance in these tolerant varieties Boxer, Ganga, and California Wonder. Furthermore, breeding programs should be initiated to develop new capsicum varieties with enhanced drought tolerance, incorporating the identified drought-tolerant genetic traits and genes.