EFFECT OF PRESOWING TREATMENT OF WHEAT SEEDS WITH SURFACTANTS ON THEIR GERMINATION UNDER UNFAVORABLE CONDITIONS

We studied the effect of presowing treatment of wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L.) with nonionogenic surfactants (Tween 80, Synthalon DS-10, OP-7, and Triton X-100) on their germination under conditions of inadequate water supply. It is established that surfactants exert stimulating action on seed germination. The most active compound was Tween 80, whose optimal concentration for seed treatment was 1-5%. Tween 80 was appreciably more effective than fusicoccin in stimulating seed germination under water deficit conditions. Possible mechanisms governing surfactant influence on seed germination are discussed in the paper.