Screening of Banana Genotypes to Deficit Moisture Stress Conditions using Physiological and Biochemical Parameters

Thirty two banana genotypes comprising of diploids, triploids and tetraploids were screened for changes in the physiological parameters viz., total chlorophyll content, Chlorophyll Stability Index (CSI), Relative Water Content (RWC), Membrane Stability Index (MSI) and Epicuticular Wax Content (ECW) and proline content in leaves due to imposed deficit moisture stress conditions. Significant differences in total chlorophyll, CSI, RWC, cell membrane integrity, proline and ECW contents were observed among the genotypes. The cultivars viz., ‘Karpooravalli’, ‘Chakkiya’, ‘Bhimkol’, ‘Bagner’, ‘Monthan’, ‘Hill Banana’, ‘Thiruvanathapuram’, ‘Kanchkela’ and ‘FHIA-3’, recorded least per cent reductions in total chlorophyll content, CSI, RWC, cell membrane integrity and significant increases in proline and ECW contents. Highest per cent reductionin total chlorophyll, CSI, RWC, membrane integrity, proline and ECW content over control was observed in ‘Calcutta 4’, ‘Pisang Lilin’, ‘Sanna Chenkadali’, ‘Grand Naine’ and ‘Robusta’.