Effects of PEG6000 on drought resistance of Elymus sibiricus germplasm at germination stage

In order to understand the drought resistance of Elymus sibiricus at germination stage, seven germplasm materials were collected at various locations in China. The seeds were treated with PEG6000 solution at the concentration of 50,100,150 g/L, and the relative germination rate, germination potential, germination index, seed vitality index and shoot/root lengths were evaluated comprehensively. The results showed that the high tolerant droughtresistance group included Jibukang which came from Changji, Xinjiang (E03); Wutaishan of Shanxi (E04); Luqumaai of Gansu (E07). The intermediate droughtresistance group included materials which came from Wutaishan of Shanxi (E01); Yili Xinjiang (E02);Gangou Urumchi of Xinjiang (E05). The sensitive drought resistance material was Qinyuan,Shanxi (E06). E. sibiricus was studied on the changes of seed germination characters under PEG6000 resistance as a good pasture, which had the significant meaning for breeding.