Vol. 6, Issue 6 (2018)
Effect of water stress on photosynthetic parameters of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) genotypes
Author(s): Amitha Kunikullaya G, J Suresh, S Balakrishnan, M Kumar, P Jeyakumar, N Kumaravadivel and V Jegadeeswari
Abstract: Cocoa (Theobroma cacao), crop of humid tropics is a drought sensitive crop. Evaluation of plant’s reaction for drought, screening for drought tolerant genotypes and to develop variety suited for regions with prolonged dry period has been given utmost importance to sustain the yield potential of cocoa under changing climatic scenario. A pot culture study was carried out with 16 Nigerian cocoa collections and two irrigation regimes (50% and 100%) to study the effect of water- deficit condition on growth and development of cocoa. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate in cocoa are highly influenced by environmental variables. Hence, a study on effect of drought on these physiological parameters revealed that the genotypes NC-23, NC-25 and NC-42 were drought tolerant as they recorded high photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance coupled with low transpiration rate and thereby showed higher water use efficiency. These genotypes can be further evaluated for yield potential and can be used as one of the parent in future crop improvement program.
Pages: 1021-1025 | 473 Views 74 Downloads
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How to cite this article:
Amitha Kunikullaya G, J Suresh, S Balakrishnan, M Kumar, P Jeyakumar, N Kumaravadivel, V Jegadeeswari. Effect of water stress on photosynthetic parameters of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) genotypes. Int J Chem Stud 2018;6(6):1021-1025.
