Characterization of Drought Tolerance Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) by Physiobiochemical Approaches under Drought Stress Environment

A pot culture experiment was conducted with two rice varieties N22 and Sarjoo52 to characterise drought tolerance traits in rice. Rice varieties were exposed for 15 days severe drought stress by receding the water at reproductive stage. RWC, chlorophyll content, proline content and catalase activity were recorded at the end of drought stress. Proline content and catalase activity abruptly increase in N 22. It also showed less percent reduction in RWC, chlorophyll and grain yield comparatively to Sarjoo52. Less reduction in RWC, Chlorophyll and high content of proline and catalase activity during drought stress can be taken as screening criteria for drought stress tolerance in rice.