Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
* Present address: Rssearch AssS. ARS, PB No. 18, Bijapur-586101
Differences were noticed in leaf moisture content, free proline accumulation, nitrogen content and seed yield of six chickpea genotypes. Leaf moisture content decreased whereas free proline increased with age of the crop. Free proline had strong positive correlation with seed yield but negative association with leaf moisture content. The genotype Sel U24 x Al accumulated maximum free proline in leaf per unit decrease in leaf moisture content as compared to other genotypes, indicating the existence of Osmoregulation mechanism to combat drought. Besides, it maintained high nitrogen content throughout the growth.
