Effect of drought on physiological parameters in chickpea cultivars and their crosses

Abstract

The present study was planned to study the various physiological parameters in leaves and roots of 20 F3 progeny lines of cross HC-1×ICC-4958 (I-1 to I-20) drought sensitive (HC-1) and drought tolerant (ICC-4958) of chickpea. Drought stress adversely affected plant water status of chickpea genotypes. The water potential of leaves and osmotic potential of leaves and roots decreased under drought condition and this was accompanied by significant decline in relative water content (RWC). However, the reduction in RWC was more in drought-sensitive genotype than both the drought tolerant genotypes. Among the progeny lines, I-6, I-7, I-8 and I-16 lines maintained the water status comparable to their respective drought tolerant parent. It can be concluded that drought tolerant genotypes acclimated better than sensitive genotype by maintaining higher water relations.