Field crops are exposed to various abiotic stresses at all crop sites. The use of adaptable species may reduce the risk of production. In an in vitro laboratory trial at the Agronomy Institute of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő, field bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. and maize Zea mays L seeds were exposed to various abiotic stress conditions (water supply representing normal and flooded state, temperature with optimal and high exposures, and increasing salinity conditions). Seed samples of both species were tested for viability. The results of the trial suggest that the various abiotic applications had altering effects on the germination performance of seed samples. Bean seeds proved to be more vulnerable in comparison with maize.