Influence of biostimulants on germination and seedling development of Phaseolus vulgaris in water restriction.

Innovative technologies are emerging in the agricultural market to increase plants performance and productivity. We tested the effect of L-glutamic aminoacid on the germination and development of Phaseolus vulgaris seeds subjected to water restriction by applying different concentrations of the amino acid (0, 75, 150 and 300 mg L-1) on seeds placed on hydrated filter paper with polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) at different osmotic potentials (0, -0.2, -0.4 and -0.6 MPa). We concluded that, when the osmotic potential was equal or or less -0.2 Mpa, the application of 75, 150 and 300 mg L-1 concentrations of L-glutamic amino acid did not promote the development of seedlings and had a negative impact on germination. Seedling development was drastically affected when the osmotic potential was equal or less than -0.2 Mpa, showing evidence of decrease in germination, in root length and in volume of seedlings.