Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
A Thanga Hemavathy, P Anantharaju, S Kavitha and Dhanushkodi

Abstract:
Experiments were performed to evaluate drought tolerance in hundred Pigeonpea genotypes. Drought stress was imposed through polyethylene glycol 6000 (osmotic potential -0.80 MPa and drought-tolerant genotypes were screened by parameters such as percentage germination, seedling growth, and seed vigor. The genotypes identified as drought tolerant by Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) analysis were further screened for drought tolerance under CRD design by pot culture study. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters of the genotypes were investigated. Out of hundred genotypes screened, three were found to be drought tolerant viz., PLA 195, IC 15707/1, and PLA 217 based on all the morpho physiological and biochemical traits studied. Hence, recombination breeding programs involving crosses derived a high yielding genotype with these drought tolerant genotypes could help bring several allelic combinations that favor the solution of high yielding drought tolerant genotypes.