PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF CHICKPEA (Cicer arietinum L.) GENOTYPES TO DIFFERENT MOISTURE STRESSES

Abstract

Moisture stress influence seed germination, growth including physiological, biochemical attributes and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Genotypes may vary in their capacity to tolerate moisture stress. Therefore, the study was undertaken to evaluate physiological and biochemical responses of selected chickpea genotypes in the drought prone ecosystems. Relative water content and carotenoids content significantly decreased when stress imposed until pod formation stage. Moisture stress imposed during pre-flowering stage significantly decreased chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content. Proline accumulation was higher in BD-6048 compared to other genotypes under all moisture stress conditions. Phosphorus, potassium and protein content were lower under moisture stress until pod formation stage. Under moisture stress conditions the genotypes BD-6048 had the highest yield compared to other genotypes. Moisture stress until pre-flowering and pod formation stage reduced seed yield more severe than that on flowering stage