Effect of water deficit on physiological and biochemical responses in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) clones

Abstract

The present pot culture study on the effect of water stress on physiological and biochemical characteristics of twenty cocoa genotypes was taken up with two irrigation regimes (100% FC and 50% FC) under glasshouse condition. The results revealed that irrigation at 50 % field capacity showed an inhibitory effect on overall growth characteristics of all genotypes and the changes in leaf epicuticular wax, chlorophyll content and NRase, phenol, and proline accumulations. Based on the biochemical changes observed between the genotypes in two irrigation regimes revealed that VTLCH 3 and VTLCH 4 were grouped as tolerant genotypes.