Improving the Growth of Tobacco Plants (Prilep) Treated with Sodium Azide (NaN3) under Artificial Drought Stress Conditions PEG

The research was conducted during the year 2023. The seeds were treated with three concentrations of the mutagen (1, 3 and 5%) and with a soaking time of (6) hours. In addition, to stimulate drought stress, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used at concentrations (15, 30, and 45%). The experiment was carried out according to a randomized complete design (R.C.D.) in the village of Al-Jankeel, Latakia, Syria. Three replicates for each treatment were measured. Some germination indicators of treated seeds (germination percentage (%)), phenotypic indicators of plants (plant height (cm/plant)), phenotypic indicators (total leaf surface area (cm2), net photosynthesis rate (mg/cm2)/day) and specific gravity for leaves (g/cm2). Treatment with the chemical mutagen NAN3, especially at low concentration, increased the germination rate, plant height, total leaf surface area, net photosynthesis rate, and leaf specific gravity. Treating chemical mutagens under conditions of drought stress at low concentrations improved the values ​​of the studied indicators compared to other treatments. The high concentration of drought led to negative effects on all indicators studied. Therefore, we recommend soaking the seeds with the chemical mutagen NAN3, due to its role in improving the germination and morphological characteristics of the Prilep tobacco variety.