Effects of Water Stress on Growth, Pigments and 14CO2 Assimilation in Three Sorghum Cultivars

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-037x.2000.00400.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-12T02:57:14Z
• Authors: M. E. Younis; O. A. El‐Shahaby; S. A. Abo‐Hamed; A. H. Ibrahim
• Keywords: Vegetative reproduction; Drought stress; Dry weight; Chlorophyll b; Drought Tolerance; Water Stress

The effects of drought on growth, pigments and 14 CO 2 assimilation were studied in three sorghum cultivars. Water stress applied either at the vegetative or reproductive stage was found to reduce relative growth net rates. Root less affected by water certain cases it increased; consequently, root/shoot ratio improved. sensitivity greater than stage. Dorado most drought‐tolerant Giza 15 least cultivar, as determined calculation susceptibility index for total green leaf area shoot dry weight. Short‐term phase (7 days) improved chlorophyll content leaves, long‐term phases reduced content. Carotenoid content, general, not changed stress. photoassimilation indicated that soluble, insoluble consequently photosynthates end period both stages. Drought plus defoliation appeared increase photoassimilation, a extent, compared with alone.