Physiological studies on effect of chitosan nanoemulsion in pearl millet under drought condition

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of chitosan nanoemulsion in pearl millet under water deficit condition. Foliar spray of 0.1% chitosan nanoemulsion along with control was done at flowering stage under moisture stress condition. Physiological traits on gas exchange parameters (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and leaf temperature), chlorophyll index, relative water content and yield attributes were recorded after foliar spraying of chitosan. The results showed that the treatment with chitosan causes reduction in stomatal conductance thereby limiting the photosynthesis, transpiration rate and raise in leaf temperature than unsprayed plants. The yield was also significantly increased in treated plants than control under drought condition. Hence, foliar spray of chitosan plays an important role in alleviating the harmful effects of water stress by improving the plant water status and yield.