Studies on drought tolerance in dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet)

Abstract

In the present investigation four extensively cultivated genotypes of dolichos bean were subjected to drought stress to know their performance. In present study different levels have been imposed (T1: 100% of field capacity- Control; T2: 80% of field capacity-Mild stress; T3: 60% field capacity- Moderate stress; T4: 40% of field capacity-Severe stress). Results indicated that, under different regimes of stress a decrease in the growth, yield and physiological changes were noticed. The physiological traits such as stomatal frequency, relative water content, chlorophyll content and moisture retention capacity were showed deceased trend with increased level of drought stress. This revealed that dolichos bean is drought tolerant crop it can tolerate up to moderate stress level without compromising in yield traits. Hence more importance can be given to genotypes which are high performing under water stress regimes where genotype Arka Sambhram performed better under growth and yield attributing traits and Hebbal Avare-4 performed better in physiological traits.