Physiological studies on moisture stress tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes
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Date
2016
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Publisher
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
The present investigation was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics,
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to evaluate differential tolerance of chickpea
genotypes under moisture stress condition. Two experiments were conducted, in first
experiment twenty genotypes were raised in PVC pipes under three different conditions;
control, 50% and 75% restricted irrigation whereas in second experiment same genotypes
were sown in the field under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Growth behavior was studied
during vegetative, reproductive and harvest stage. Significant changes in the shoot (plant
height, biomass, shoot: root and stomatal frequency) and root traits (root volume, root mass,
root area and nodule weight) under restricted irrigation indicated the effect of moisture stress
on plant. During reproductive phase relative water content, photosynthetic rate and
legahaemoglobin content declined under moisture stress. From shoot, root traits and
physiological parameters, genotypes were categorized as tolerant and sensitive genotypes. Six
selected genotypes (three sensitive GL 29095, GL 12003and GNG 2171and three tolerant
BGD 1094, ILC 3279 and L 555) were further evaluated for biochemical studies in leaves and
seeds. Under moisture stress conditions higher accumulation of osmotic solute proline and
total soluble sugars were observed in tolerant genotypes as compared to sensitive genotypes.
An increment in the activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase activity was
also recorded in tolerant genotypes. Decline in starch content in seeds of chickpea was
observed. Moisture imposed stress finally caused a decline in yield and yield attributes of
sensitive genotypes as compared to tolerant genotypes. BGD 1094, ILC 3279 and L 555
chickpea genotypes were identified as moisture stress tolerant genotypes.
Description
Keywords
irrigation, energy resources, biological phenomena, land resources, environment, wood, economics, seasons, manpower, planting