Effect of waterlogging on growth and development of selected green gram varieties

Abstract

This experiment studied the effect of waterlogging on growth and development of selected green gram varieties so as to recommend to farmers the variety that can withstand waterlogging. The seeds of the three selected green gram varieties were planted in 10 litre capacity pots that were arranged in completely randomised design. Waterlogging was induced at vegetative stage; 21 days after sowing (DAS) by dipping 10 litre pots in larger 20 litre pots and maintaining standing water at 3cm above the soil level for 3days (T3), 6 days (T6) and 9 days (T9). Control (T0) was achieved by watering the pots with 500ml of water per day. Net assimilation rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were measured using LI-COR 680 portable photosynthesis systems. Chlorophyll content was determined using the Arnon method. The measurements were taken from three plant samples per variety regularly throughout the study period. KAT 00301 and KAT 00309 maintained a significantly high net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content than KAT 00308 under waterlogging treatments. KAT 00308 was more vulnerable to waterlogging. The variety wilted and died under prolonged waterlogging but KAT 00301 and KAT 00309 survived though with reduced yield. Both small and commercial green gram farmers should plant KAT 00301 and KAT 00309 to minimise losses due to waterlogging.