P. PRANUSHA, V. RAJARAJSWARI, H.S. TALWAR, P.LATHA AND K.N.GANAPATHY

Department of Crop Physiology, S.V. Agricultural College, ANGRAU, Tirupati– 517502, Chittoor (Dist.) Andhra Pradesh

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted with an aim to evaluate the effect of moisture stress on water use efficiency traits viz., SPAD chlorophyll meter readings (SCMR), Specific leaf area (SLA), Relative water content (RWC)and yield parameters in 30 finger millet genotypes. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications, under rainout shelter. Moisture stress was imposed from panicle initiation to grain filling period. The genotypes GE-1043, GE-224, GE-639 and GE-1013 performed better than other genotypes and recorded higher SCMR values, low SLA, higher RWC, higher grain yield and higher harvest index.

KEY WORDS:

Finger millet, moisture stress, SCMR, SLA, RWC.