Water deficit as a factor limiting leaf area development in phosphorus deficient horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam) Verdc.) plants

Phosphorus deficiency strongly inhibits the development of leaf area in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verde). Cell lysis in cortex and induction of aerenchyma in P starved roots were responsible for decreasing the hydraulic conductance, resulting in restricted water transport from the roots to the leaves. Water deficit thus created by P deficiency decreased the leaf relative water content and increased the accumulation of proline. Evidently water deficit was considered as a factor limiting leaf area development of P-deficient plants.