Growth changes of seven Amaranthus (spp) during the vegetative and reproductive stages of development as influenced by variations in soil water deficit

Abstract

Soil water deficit is a principal a biotic factor that limits plant growth and development in dry areas. Insufficient moisture contributes to soil water deficit and some negative effects on Amaranthus (spp) such as reduced growth and altered biomass allocation. Differences in soil water deficit responses of plants may be a consequence of different morphological adaptations during their developmental growth stages. In arid and semi-arid areas, water shortage is becoming an increasing problem because of the unreliable and limited rainfall and it significantly contributes to food shortage especially in Kenya. During the vegetative stage amaranth leaves are harvested while during the reproductive stage their seeds are harvested this makes its growth stages critical. Despite this obvious advantages, and besides it being the most popular and widely consumed …