Response of mung bean to water stress and irrigation at various growth stages and plant densities: I. Plant and crop growth parameters

Response of mung bean to water stress and irrigation at various growth stages and plant densities: I. Plant and crop growth parameters

1994

A:PS

Growth of mung beans cv. Pagasa 3 subjected to different irrigation schedules (IS), plant densities (PD), and moisture regimes (MR, controlled by distance from irrigation lines) was studied in an upland silty clay loam rice soil (Tropudalf) at IRRI, Philippines in 1987-88. LAI, specific leaf weight (SLW), CGR, percentage ground cover, DM yield, leaf water potential (psiL), osmotic potential, and root length density (RLD) were measured. The LAI and DM yield decreased with increasing soil moisture deficits while SLW, psiL, osmotic potential and RLD increased. The LAI, SLW, and RLD increased at high plant density (0.66 vs. 0.33 million plants/ha). Effects of IS, PD, and MR on percentage ground cover were significant, with cover greatest at high plant density, more frequent irrigation and high soil moisture. Irrigation schedules had less effect on psiL, and PD affected it significantly in 1987. The effect of IS, PD, and MR on osmotic potential was not significant at any growth stage. Higher RLD was found at higher PD in both years. Percentage roots was higher in dry MR than in wet MR in the deeper layers (60-100 cm). It is suggested that a decrease in LAI and an increase in SLW, psiL, osmotic potential and RLD were drought-avoidance mechanisms which help the survival of the crops during the reproductive stage when the moisture has been depleted in rice soils.

v.71(4):281-288, TROPICAL AGRICULTURE (TRINIDAD)

Research > Published Articles