The effect of automotive fuel ethanol on seed germination of drybean was determined by soaking seeds for 0.75, 1.5 or 6h in ethanol and then planting the seed in sand. Germination percentages varied slightly for seven cultivars with colored seed coats tested, while cultivars with white seed coats suffered germination reductions of the order 75% after 6h imersion. This reduction was not due to moisture content of the seeds.