The utilization of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is essential in hybrid seed production; however, its operational value in eggplant is insufficiently documented under practical conditions. This study compared CMS-based and conventional (non-CMS) hybridization systems with respect to flower production, flower functionality, and hybrid seed production efficiency, quantified as seed and viable seedling output per unit time, in three eggplant cultivars (‘Emi’, ‘Langada’, and ‘Tsakoniki’) in intra- and interspecific crosses. CMS did not affect total flower production or inflorescence architecture, which were primarily genotype-dependent. However, it altered flower opening, resulting in genotype- and position-dependent proportions of semi-opened and closed flowers at anthesis. Despite this effect, sufficient flowers suitable for hybridization remained available across all genotypes. CMS substantially simplified the hybridization process by eliminating emasculation, reducing flower manipulation time by approximately 55%, and increasing crossing rate by nearly twofold. Importantly, CMS did not negatively affect female fertility, as indicated by comparable percentages of successful crosses and high seed germination rates across cytoplasmic backgrounds. Seed production per fruit was moderately but significantly increased in intraspecific crosses, while it remained comparable between CMS and non-CMS systems for the interspecific crosses. As a result, CMS significantly increased hybrid seed output and effective seedling production per unit time in intraspecific crosses, while similar trends were observed in interspecific crosses, with gains ranging from 86% to 184% depending on genotype and pollen parent. Overall, this study demonstrates, from an operational perspective, that CMS enhances the efficiency of eggplant hybrid seed production by reducing labor requirements and increasing output per unit time without compromising reproductive performance. These findings highlight the practical value of CMS as a tool for improving hybrid seed production systems, including applications in both commercial hybrid development and rootstock breeding.

White lupin (Lupinus albus) is a very important legume crop, having seeds with high protein content but also quantities of antinutritional alkaloids. Regarding cultivation, it is sensitive to neutral or alkaline soil conditions, although it is well adapted to drought conditions. In this study, the adaptability of 17 L. albus (14 commercial varieties and 3 advanced lines) genotypes to neutral-pH soils was investigated in relation to morphological, agronomical, and yield attributes. An extended characterization of seed composition for total alkaloids, trypsin inhibitors, phenolics, tannins, total nitrogen, NDF, ADF, and lignin was also performed. Furthermore, a prebreeding program consisting of 140 targeted crosses was initiated to develop new F1 combinations for genotypes with low alkaloid profiles; at the same time, controlled self-fertilization of elite lines was carried out. The results indicated that the morphological response of L. albus to neutral pH was positive and significantly genotypically dependent. Among the varieties tested, ‘Magnus’ and ‘Figaro’ showed low alkaloid and lignin contents. On the other hand, the advanced lines (LKAP, LKML, LKAU) had high antinutritional components, even though they were high-yielding. This research proposes a model of combined evaluation and selection processes for identification of particular genotypes that can perform well in neutral soils and provides the basis for breeding and producing low-alkaloid genotypes for multi-locational exploitation.

Although cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is well established in eggplant, CMS-based interspecific hybrids with allied species have not yet been reported or studied. In this study, five previously developed CMS-based interspecific F1 hybrids between eggplant and Solanum aethiopicum Group Aculeatum (=S. integrifolium) and Group Gilo (=S. gilo), together with their parental lines, were morphologically evaluated for 67 seedling, vegetative, floral, and fruit traits, and their heterosis for vegetative growth was studied. Male fertility was assessed based on anther morphology and pollen viability, while female fertility was evaluated through backcrosses to both parents. The hybrids exhibited predominantly intermediate phenotypes and clustered distinctly from parental lines as confirmed by principal component analysis. Remarkable heterosis was observed for most growth-related traits, indicating favorable nuclear–cytoplasmic interactions despite the use of CMS eggplant lines as maternal parents. All hybrids showed complete male sterility, characterized by non-viable pollen and pronounced anther homeotic alterations, the latter indicating CMS-related effects on male fertility. Female fertility was severely reduced, likely due to meiotic irregularities, as evidenced by the failure of most attempted backcrosses. However, successful recovery of BC1 progeny after backcrossing one CMS-based F1 hybrid to S. gilo demonstrates partial reproductive compatibility and provides a genetic bridge for CMS introgression into S. gilo. These results indicate that CMS systems are suitable for eggplant interspecific crosses aimed at vigorous rootstock production and CMS cytoplasm introgression into allied germplasm.

Nowadays, there is a lack of high-performing genetic materials specifically developed to thrive under low-input conditions and meet the demands of organic agriculture. This study aims to evaluate seven improved Greek tomato landraces and their (F1) hybrids designed for low-input farming systems as a potential solution to the shortage of superior varieties for organic farming in specific environments. This evaluation focuses on yield components and fruit quality parameters. According to the results, experimental genetic material matches or exceeds the performance of the commercial (F1) hybrid Formula and outperforms the control variety cv. Macedonia (pure line), indicating that selected inbred lines (S.I.L.s) originated from landraces that developed under low-input conditions and are better suited to organic farming systems. For instance, the improved line (S.I.L.) from landrace Pantaroza pink has only a 13% lower total yield compared to (F1) commercial hybrid Formula, whereas the (F1) hybrid between Pantaroza pink × Kardia vodiou surpasses it, by 23%. In conclusion, tomato landraces are an important gene pool for seed development for organic or low-input farming systems, especially under the circumstances of climate change, presenting increasing challenges. Improving these local genetic materials using mild breeding approaches under low-input conditions leads to the production of new selected pure lines (S.I.L.s) along with their (F1) hybrids, which could ensure high-quality products with satisfactory yield and low requirements, offering an innovative pathway toward sustainable agriculture.

BackgroundFennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is a widely cultivated vegetable and aromatic-medicinal plant. In this research, field studies assessed 12 fennel genotypes of diverse origin, comprising 10 Greek accessions and two European commercial varieties, focusing on their morpho-agronomical traits, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in the aboveground biomass. Emphasis gave on the post-harvest determination of seed yield and essential oil's (EO's) profile for each genotype.ResultsMultivariate data analysis on both morpho-agronomical descriptors and EO's components demonstrated clear distinction of Greek fennel accessions (groups I and III) from commercial varieties (group II). Accessions of groups I and III were ranked with intermediate values of height, foliage density, leaf length, green color intensity and primary canopy diameter. In addition, fennel accessions differentiated in their EO's yield (ranged from 2.2% to 7.8%), although they exhibited similar qualitative profile. The main EO's compound of group I was trans-anethole, estragole and fenchone for group III, while commercial varieties characterized by high concentration in trans-anethole and fenchone. Variations among genotypes were also demonstrated in the content of total phenolics (7.0-11.6 mg g-1 on dry weight basis, dw) and flavonoids (5.9-12.4 mg g-1 dw), while the antioxidant activity determined by ABTS test, varied from 9.0 to 16.2 mg Trolox equivalents g-1 dw.ConclusionThe observed variability in morpho-agronomical descriptors and phytochemical profile among fennel genotypes recorded for the first time the potential of Greek native genetic material. The data of this research provides useful information for direct future uses in pharmaceutical industry and for applications in plant breeding programs, aiming to produce new type of fennel varieties.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a popular herb of great economic and medicinal value. Despite its significant potential, there are currently no commercially available varieties specifically adapted to Mediterranean low-input farming systems. The present study aimed to develop a genetically improved breeding population derived from indigenous Greek chamomile germplasm, following a multi-year strategy, based on pedigree selection under low-input conditions. This selection process constituted the first phase of the breeding program, during which selection focused on improving inflorescence dry weight and essential oil quality, particularly with respect to α-bisabolol and chamazulene content. After three cycles of selection, considerable genetic gains were achieved. The realized heritability values exceeded 0.5 for all assessed traits, confirming strong genetic control. In the fourth year, representing the second phase of the breeding program, the breeding population—developed through selection during the first phase—was evaluated alongside the initial population and commercial diploid and tetraploid varieties. The breeding population exhibited significant observed gains compared to the initial population: inflorescence dry weight increased by 12.17%, α-bisabolol content by 71.45%, and chamazulene content by 6.57%. Additionally, the breeding population not only surpassed all evaluated diploid genotypes in essential oil composition, but also displayed a chemotypic shift, indicating successful alignment with tetraploid varieties characterized by high-value chemical profiles. Furthermore, this selection process targeting specific commercial chamomile traits indirectly contributed to improvement in plant height and inflorescence morphology. Overall, these results demonstrate that conventional breeding, when applied effectively to native resources, can enhance both agronomic performance and essential oil profile. The newly developed breeding population provides a strong foundation for future cultivar development tailored to Mediterranean low-input sustainable farming systems.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) production faces challenges due to shifting environmental conditions, potentially leading to a transition towards cooler or highland Mediterranean environments. This study assessed the responses of five lentil genotypes across five diverse locations (L1–L5) managed under organic cropping systems over two seasons, focusing on key parameters including seed yield (SY), crude protein (CP), cooking time (CT), seed loss percentage (SL), and yield loss per hectare (YL) caused by bruchid (Bruchus sp.). Excessive seasonal rainfall (500 mm), low winter temperatures (−17.9 °C), bruchid SL, and spring sowing were identified as crucial, particularly in challenging environments like highlands. Genotype selection was highlighted as essential for balancing yield and stability, with the small-seeded cultivar ‘Dimitra’ demonstrating lower YL due to bruchid. Additionally, increased CP was noted in response to heightened bruchid infestations. Specific recommendations were proposed for different environments: In productive lowland areas with low bruchid pressure and high CTs (L1), prioritizing cultivars like ‘Samos’, ‘Dimitra’, and ‘Thessalia’ enhances quality. Locations with high bruchid populations (L4) were not favored organic production but can serve as genetic resistance screening sites. High-elevation environments (L3, L5) proved significantly less productive, underscoring the requirement for earlier and winter-hardy cultivars. These insights guide lentil cultivation, emphasizing the need for tailored breeding strategies adaptable to changing environments.

The most important product of the lentil crop (Lens culinaris Medik) is the seeds. The main seed characteristics are their size, color, and the cooking time required to make them edible. Cultivar, location of cultivation, and their interaction are the primary factors of raw or cooked seed characteristics. The study examined the impact of five different lentil cultivars (Dimitra, Elpida, Thessalia, Samos, and 03-24L), as influenced by the cultivation environment in four different zones or nine different locations in Central-Northern Greece, on cooking time. The optimal cooking time (OCT) was calculated by cooking the seeds for 0–60 min to determine the percentage of cooked seeds using the penetration test. OCT was associated with the characteristics of both raw (mass of 1000 seeds, external color, and the percentage of mature/immature seeds) and cooked (color and organoleptic characteristics of the cooking media as well as mass increase and hardness and organoleptic characteristics of the seeds) seeds for 30 min. Depending on location, each cultivar had a different mass of 1000 seeds; Elpida had the highest mass (63.9 g), and Dimitra had the lowest (33.1 g). This was linked to OCT, which was among the highest (57.5 min) for Elpida, lowest (49 min) for Dimitra, and intermediate for Thessalia, Samos, or 03-24L. The average OCT was 55.9 min for all samples. The seed from the five locations with the shortest OCT was considered appropriate for human consumption. Two locations yielded seeds with intermediate OCT, while the other two produced the highest OCT; these were recommended for processing or propagation. In this study, the cultivar factor had a greater effect on raw seed characteristics, while the location factor had a greater effect on cooked seed characteristics and OCT than either the location, the cultivar factor, or the cultivar x location interaction.

Lupins are an important source of protein that could replace soybeans in the diet of ruminants and monogastrics, without reducing their performance. Lupinus albus (L. albus) is the main species of the genus Lupinus that is cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The aim of the present research was to study commercial cultivars and advanced breeding lines of L. albus by using phenotypical, molecular and biochemical data, in order to be used in breeding projects. Seven commercial cultivars (Estoril, Fas Sweet, Multitalia, Magnus, Orus, Ulysse Sulimo and Figaro) and three advanced lines from the company AGROLAND (LKML, LKAP and LKAU) were used. Eleven morphological traits were described using UPOV Guidelines (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants). Additionally, agronomical traits and yield components were measured. Regarding the nutritional value, grain samples were analyzed for N and the crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), total alkaloids (TA), total phenolic content (TP), total tannins content (TT) and condensed tannins (CT) were calculated. Genetic diversity among genetic materials was assessed by SSRs molecular markers. The metabolomic analysis for four selected cultivars (Figaro, Magnus, Multitalia and Sulimo) was performed on the seeds with the GC/EI/MS technique. According to the results, the advanced lines were most productive but also with higher content of total alkaloids than the commercial cultivars. The only exception was the cultivar Multitalia that was characterized by a high content of alkaloids. Based on the SSRs, the cultivars Magnus, Orus and Estoril were grouped together while the breeding lines LKAP, LICML and LKAU were grouped with Multitalia. Regarding the metabolomic profile, the cultivars Multitalia and Magnus were together, while Sulimo was grouped with Figaro. Finally, the content of several beneficial metabolites for human and animal nutrition was significantly increased in Sulimo and Figaro, compared to Magnus and Multitalia. Both commercial varieties and lines have characteristics that can be exploited and used in breeding programs.

Bread wheat landraces were an important source of biodiversity used in agriculture before the widespread adoption of high-yielding commercial cultivars adapted to high inputs. Could future agriculture exploit these landraces in different cropping systems in organic or lower-input environments? A two-year field trial was conducted to evaluate grain yield, agronomic performance, and grain quality of bread wheat landraces under different cropping systems, including low-input/organic/conventional environments. Significant variability was found for almost all characteristics among landraces, which makes landraces valuable sources of genetic variation for breeding programs aimed at achieving high and consistent production as well as high-quality products in low-input/organic environments. Additionally, landraces play a crucial role in expanding the genetic diversity of cultivated bread wheat and mitigating biodiversity erosion, thereby enabling crops to better withstand the challenges of low-input/organic agriculture. The landrace “Xilokastro Lamias” had the highest yield among the landraces evaluated in the first growing season (2.65 t·ha−1) and one of the highest yields (2.52 t·ha−1) of all genotypes in the second growing season, which shows promising potential as a starting material in breeding programs targeting high and stable yields. GGE biplot analysis identified the landrace ”Xilokastro Lamias”, along with commercial cultivars “Yecora E” and “Panifor”, as suitable candidates for direct use in low-input/organic wheat farming systems to achieve enhanced productivity. In the conventional environment (C2-IPGRB), commercial cultivars showed the highest values (3.09 to 3.41 ton·ha−1). Of the landraces, only the X4 showed a high GY (3.10 ton·ha−1) while the other landraces had ~33–85% lower yield. In the organic environment (O2-IPGRB), the highest productivity was found in the commercial cultivar X5 and the landrace X4. Commercial cultivars X8 and X7 showed ~68% reduction in GY in the organic environment compared to the conventional, while this reduction was half for the landraces. Finally, the reduction in grain yield between conventional and organic environments was observed to be 45% for commercial cultivars, while it was only half for landraces. This finding confirms the adaptability of landraces to organic agriculture.

The lentil is a valuable crop for human nutrition and is cooked to adequate softening prior to consumption. The objective of the study was to use a model to point out the effects of seed maturity on optimum cooking time (OCT). Two lentil seed samples (cv 'Dimitra') exhibiting short (SCT) and long (LCT) cooking times (CT) were visually separated into brown- and green-colored categories, corresponding to mature and immature seeds, respectively. The 1000-seed mass and the percentages of maturity categories were measured in samples before they were subjected to 20-60 min CT. Absolute positive force (APF)-based texture analysis parameters were monitored during CT. OCT thresholds were established by correlating the organoleptic with the texture analyzer parameters. The averaging and weighted averaging of the texture analysis parameters, or even their modeling, failed to produce a realistic OCT due to texture values exceeding the OCT threshold. However, the modeling of the percentage of cooked seeds during CT predicted a realistic OCT, which was also validated later. In this model, all seeds (overcooked or intact, mature or immature) were taken into account. Among the texture parameters, APF better described cooking. Mature seeds softened faster and produced more overcooked seeds than did the immature seeds. The different proportions of maturity categories within the SCT and LCT seeds greatly affected the sample OCT.

Lentil is an important legume crop for human and animal dietary needs due to its high nutritional value. The effect of genotype and growing environment was studied on seed yield (SY), crude protein (CP) and mineral nutrients (macro and micronutrients) of five lentil genotypes grown at four diverse locations for two consecutive years under organic and conventional farming. The location within each year was considered as a separate environment (E). Data were subjected to over environment two-way analysis of variance, while a genotype (G) plus genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis was performed. Our results indicated the E as the main source of variation (62.3–99.8%) for SY, CP and macronutrients for both farming systems, while for micronutrients it was either the E or the G × E interaction. Different environments were identified as ideal for the parameters studied: E6 (Larissa/Central Greece/2020) produced the higher CP values (organic: 32.0%, conventional: 27.5%) and showed the highest discriminating ability that was attributed to the lowest precipitation during the crucial period of pod filling. E7 (Thessaloniki/Central Macedonia/2020) and E8 (Orestiada/Thrace/2020) had fertile soils and ample soil moisture and were the most discriminating for high micronutrient content under both farming systems. Location Orestiada showed the highest SY for both organic (1.87–2.28 t ha−1) and conventional farming (1.56–2.89 t ha−1) regardless the year of cultivation and is proposed as an ideal location for lentil cultivation or for breeding for high SY. Genotypes explained a low percentage of the total variability; however, two promising genotypes were identified. Cultivar “Samos” demonstrated a wide adaptation capacity exhibiting stable and high SY under both organic and conventional farming, while the red lentil population “03-24L” showed very high level of seed CP, Fe and Mn contents regardless E or farming system. This genetic material could be further exploited as parental material aiming to develop lentil varieties that could be utilized as “functional” food or consist of a significant feed ingredient.

Randomized complete block design was used, with three replications. Heterosis for yield and fruit quality characteristics was studied, and expressed as Relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and Standard heterosis. It would be expected, according to the dominance model, that the heterosis recorded after crossing the recombinant lines, having only a small portion of recessive deleterious alleles, would be minimal. The results showed that the elite recombinant inbred lines became the parents of elite restructured hybrids, with increased levels of re-heterosis for all characters measured. This may prove that dominance is not the only case in explaining heterosis in tomato for yield components and fruit quality characteristics. Several recombinant lines, and most of the new reconstructed F1 hybrids, showed excellent productivity under a low input farming system. The evaluation and selection of the different types of cultivars (recombinant pure lines or reconstructed hybrids) under low input conditions could point towards the most suitable/ideal genotype for organic cultivation.

Tomato is one of the most consumed fruit vegetables globally and is a high dietary source of minerals, fiber, carotenoids, and vitamin C. The tomato is also well known for its nutraceutical chemical content which strengthens human immune systems and is protective against infectious and degenerative diseases. For this reason, there has been recent emphasis on breeding new tomato cultivars with nutraceutical value. Most of the modern tomato cultivars are F1 hybrids, and many of the characteristics associated with fruit quality have additive gene action; so, in theory, inbred vigor could reach hybrid vigor. A sum of 20 recombinant lines was released from the commercial single-cross hybrids Iron, Sahara, Formula, and Elpida, through a breeding process. Those recombinant lines were evaluated during spring–summer 2015 under organic farming conditions in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) experimental design with three replications. A sum of eleven qualitative characteristics of the fruit was recorded on an individual plant basis. Results from this study indicated that the simultaneous selection of individual tomato plants, both in terms of their high yield and desired fruit quality characteristics, can lead to highly productive recombinant lines with integrated quality characteristics. So, inbred vigor can reach and even surpass hybrid vigor. The response to selection for all characteristics evaluated shows additive gene action of all characteristics measured. These recombinant lines can fulfill this role as alternatives to hybrid cultivars and those that possess high nutritional values to function as functional-protective food.

Lentil is a versatile and profitable pulse crop with high nutritional food and feed values. The objectives of the study were to determine suitable locations for high yield and quality in terms of production and/or breeding, and to identify promising genotypes. For this reason, five lentil genotypes were evaluated in a multi-location network consisting of ten diverse sites for two consecutive growing seasons, for seed yield (SY), other agronomic traits, crude protein (CP), cooking time (CT) and crude protein yield (CPY). A significant diversification and specialization of the locations was identified with regards to SY, CP, CT and CPY. Different locations showed optimal values for each trait. Locations E4 and E3, followed by E10, were “ideal” for SY; locations E1, E3 and E7 were ideal for high CP; and the “ideal” locations for CT were E3 and E5, followed by E2. Therefore, the scope of the cultivation determined the optimum locations for lentil cultivation. The GGE-biplot analysis revealed different discriminating abilities and representativeness among the locations for the identification of the most productive and stable genotypes. Location E3 (Orestiada, Region of Thrace) was recognized as being optimal for lentil breeding, as it was the “ideal” or close to “ideal” for the selection of superior genotypes for SY, CP, CT and CPY. Adaptable genotypes (cv. Dimitra, Samos) showed a high SY along with excellent values for CP, CT and CPY, and are suggested either for cultivation in many regions or to be exploited in breeding programs.

It is estimated that more than 95% of organic agriculture is based on crop cultivars that were bred for the conventional high-input sector. Most selections were made through conventional breeding programs and lack important traits required under organic and low-input conditions. Hybrids are the most common type of cultivars used in tomato because of heterosis. In tomato, continuous selfing enabled homozygosity to exploit favorable additive genes, resulting in the so-called inbred vigor. This paper presented the possibility to express inbred vigor at a level equal to or greater than hybrid vigor in tomato when cultivated under organic low input conditions. The evaluation of the recombinant lines produced through classical reverse breeding from four F-1 single cross hybrids was done at low- and high-input farming systems. The results show that, following the appropriate breeding process in early generation selection and under low-input conditions, it is possible to produce recombinant lines, demonstrating inbred vigor in yield potential and fruit quality. These genetic materials can stand as new dynamic cultivars intended for cultivation in organic, low-input, or high-input conditions, depending on their performance in different farming systems at the later stages of evaluation.

Cultivar selection and crop systems are important factors for maximising soybean seed yield. The effect of row spacing (RS1 = 75 cm, RS2 = 25 cm) on the performance of 10 early maturity soybean cultivars grown in fullseason and double-crop system for two consecutive years was studied. The agronomic traits measured were seed yield (SY), plant height (PH), pods per plant (PP), first pod height (FPH), crude protein. RS had a significant effect on SY, PH, PP and FPH. Higher SY (P < 0.01) was recorded in RS2 regardless of the crop system. The double-crop system yield reduction index of the tested cultivars ranged from 30.0% to 56.4% and from 21.5% to 57.2% for RS1 and RS2, respectively. Cultivars differed (P < 0.01) for all traits in both RS and crop systems. Maturity Group I cultivars showed the highest productivity; the cultivars PR92B63 and Atlantic were better adapted to the full-season crop system (SY > 5.67 t/ha); cv. Sphera was the most productive in the double-crop system (4.66 t/ha); cv. PR92M22 showed good adaptability to both cropping systems. In conclusion, the significant effect of RS and crop system on SY was observed, whereas different high yielding cultivars were identified as suitable for full-season and double-crop system.

The phenolic profile of Greek chamomile populations was investigated by HPLC-PDA-MS. For comparison, three commercial varieties (Banatska, Lutea and Goral) cultivated under the same conditions were included in the study. All samples exhibited similar qualitative patterns but differed in their quantitative characteristics. Overall, 29 constituents were detected, belonging to phenolic acids, flavonol glycosides, flavone glycosides (mainly apigenin derivatives) and acylated polyamines. Quantitative results showed that both Greek populations had a high content in apigenin derivatives (0.39 and 0.31 %w/w) and caffeoylquinic acids (0.96 and 0.81 %w/w), whereas they had the highest amount of flavonol glycosides among the tested samples. Greek populations were comparable to the Banatska variety, while they were superior to the Lutea and Goral varieties cultivated under the same conditions. Results demonstrate that Greek chamomile populations studied here, are an excellent source of a wide range of phenolics which contribute to the medicinal and antioxidant properties of this herbal remedy. Antioxidant tests showed that chamomile extracts from the studied materials, especially from the Greek populations possess antioxidant activity, corresponding to their polyphenol content. This is the first report on the phenolic constituents of Matricaria recutita growing in Greece and well-established chamomile varieties.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important legume crops worldwide, with its importance mainly relying on its high protein content. Chickpea productivity is strictly threatened by abiotic stresses, of which drought exerts the most crucial role in terms of growth inhibition and yield losses encountered. Given that germination is a critical stage that is negatively affected by drought, the aim of this study was to estimate the genotypic variability among ten chickpea genotypes and to determine the seed germination and seedling growth ability under drought stress conditions. Seeds were subjected to water stress by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) at five stress levels (0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50% PEG). Germination percentage, seed water content, seed water absorbance, root and shoot development and seedling vigour index were evaluated. The analyses revealed significant genetic variability in relation to genotypic performance under drought stress. Drought significantly affected germination as well as all other associated traits, with the effects of stress being analogous to the stress level applied. Findings point to the fact that seedling vigour index is a suitable selection criterion for drought tolerance as it allowed the classification of genotypes as tolerant, moderately tolerant, moderately susceptible and susceptible. Taken together, the commercial varieties ‘Thiva’, ‘Keryneia’ and ‘Gavdos’ as well as the landrace ‘Lemnos’ showed an increased drought tolerance at high stress level, indicating their possible exploitation as valuable genetic material for breeding programs or for commercial use.