Effect of Shade on Growth, Biomass Production and Associated Physiological Parameters in Pongamia Pinnata (Linn.) Pierre
Abstract
Pongamia pinnata saplings were grown under shade and in normal sunlight. Shaded saplings showed decrease in root, shoot growth and biomass production. Net photosynthetic rate also declined in shade grown plants, however, the leaf number and area increased. Total chlorophyll and carotenoid content were more in the shade grown plants. On the other hand the chl a/b ratio was lower in shade grown plants as compared to sun plants. Total protein, lipid, carbohydrate and calorie values were higher in sun grown plants. In vivo nitrate reductase and RuBPcarboxylase activities were low in shade grown plants.
