Legume Research - An International Journal

Ten pigeonpea genotypes were grown under moisture stress condition in rainout shelter and irrigated condition separately for evaluating morpho-physiological traits associated to drought tolerance in kharif 2006. The genotype JSA 59 was identified for highest seed yield under moisture stress (476 kg/ha) as well as irrigated (1413 kg/ha) conditions. It also showed low reduction in yield (66.31%) due to moisture stress as well as high DTE (33.69%) and low DSI (0.585). The relative leaf water content (RLWC) under moisture stress condition was highest in JKM 189 (40.71%) followed by BDN 2009 (39.92%) and TTB 7 (39.39%). There was a great variation for membrane injury index. It was lowest in JKM 204 (0.15) and JSA 59 (0.26). PT 02-9 having lowest membrane injury index (0.13) and lowest rate of water loss (0.223 mg/min), but low seed yield under moisture stress (122 kg/ha) as well as stress free condition (778 kg/ha). TTB 7 was marked by high biomass and its distribution in component parts of plant under stress as well as stress free condition. The genotypes JSA 59 and TTB 7 were also characterized by higher number of pods per plant and seed yield/plant under moisture stress as well as stress free condition. In addition to this, JSA 59 had higher harvest index under moisture stress (17.10%) as well as stress free condition (20.86%). Therefore, JSA 59 and TTB 7 were rated as most promising type for drought tolerance.