Morpho- Physiological Traits aided Screening of Soybean Genotypes under Rainfed Situation

Author: A. Geetha, C.V. Sameer Kumar, K. Indudhar Reddy and G. Neelima

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Abstract

Soybean is one of the major rainfed crops, improper distribution of monsoon and its early cessation results in poor crop yield, which is limiting the potential exploitation of yield. Identification of drought tolerant genotypes aids in realizing the good yields. To elucidate the influence of rainfed situation on morpho-physiological characters in ten soybean genotypes, a three years study starting from Kharif, 2015 to 2017 (Kharif, 2015, 2016, 2017) was conducted at RARS, Palem, PJTSAU, Nagarkurnool. The results revealed that under rainfed conditions insufficient rains causes repressed effect on relative water content (RWC), leaf fluorescence, leaf area index and specific leaf area which in turn affects plant growth parameters like plant height (cm), total dry matter production ultimately leads to yield reduction. Among the physiological parameters, lower SLA value, higher RWC values, higher SPAD readings, optimum LAI and high fluorescence values are most desirable characters under low rainfall conditions to cope up water scarcity in plants. However, for character studied, genotypes variations were significant. From the pooled analysis data, JS-335 recorded highest seed yield of 1353 kg ha-1 which was on par with RKS-18 (1099 kg/ha) and the two genotypes showed yield superiority over rest of genotypes, Thus, yield superiority may be due to positive contribution of number of pods per plants and other physiological parameter like optimum LAI and high RWC. The present results are useful for efficient screening of soybean genotypes under rainfed conditions based on morphological, physiological and yield parameters which have due and practical weightage in promising genotypes selections.

Keywords

Leaf area index, rainfed, relative water content, soybean, SPAD readings, SLA, seed yield

Conclusion

From the present investigation, it can be concluded that during selection of promising genotypes for agronomic performance in rainfed areas with water limitations, due weightage should be given to morpho-physiological parameters to have practical results under water limited conditions to realize fullest genetic potential. The present results are useful for efficient screening of soybean genotypes under rainfed conditions based on morphological, physiological and yield parameters which have due and practical weightage in promising genotypes selections.

References

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How to cite this article

A. Geetha, C.V. Sameer Kumar, K. Indudhar Reddy and G. Neelima (2023). Morpho- Physiological Traits aided Screening of Soybean Genotypes under Rainfed Situation. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 1207-1212.