Abstract:Tomato, being one of the important vegetable crops, holds great significance in evaluating the drought resistance of tomato germplasm resources and selecting drought-resistant varieties. In this study, we subjected 92 tomato germplasm resources to drought stress treatment using a 12.5% PEG-6000 solution. Six drought-related indexes, including germination potential, germination rate, germination index, vigor index, root length and shoot length, were measured, and the drought resistance of tomato at germination stage was evaluated and screened by correlation analysis, principal component analysis, membership function method and cluster analysis.The results showed a significant reduction in all six indicators under drought stress, with the vigor index and germination potential being the most affected. Through principal component analysis, we transformed the six indicators into two new indicators, which contributed to a cumulative contribution rate of 86.657 %. Based on correlation and principal component analysis, we identified germination potential, germination rate, germination index, and vigor index as the main indicators for evaluating drought resistance during the germination period. By using the subordination function method combined with cluster analysis, we classified the tomato germplasm resources into 19 drought-resistant types, 41 relatively drought-resistant types, 18 relatively sensitive types, and 14 sensitive types. Further screening at different concentrations allowed us to identify two varieties with strong drought resistance, namely Mizhihong Tomato and Jinnongaiyang, as well as two varieties with strong sensitivity, namely Beijing zaohong and Dahongpao. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the study of drought resistance in tomato germplasm resources.