Impact of Water Deficit on Photosynthetic Pigments and Yield of Banana Cultivars and Hybrids

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of water deficit on total chlorophyll content, soluble protein content and yield of banana cultivars and hybrids. Stress was imposed at different critical stages viz., 3 rd , 5 th , 7 th and 9 th month after planting. The stress was given by scheduling irrigation at the 50 per cent available soil moisture (ASM) characteristic during critical stages. The soil moisture content was analyzed by using pressure plate membrane apparatus. In control plots, the irrigation was given at the ASM of 80 per cent with the soil water potential of around -6 bars and in the case of stressed plots; the irrigation was given when an ASM reached 50 per cent with the soil water potential of -14 bars. The total chlorophyll content, soluble protein content and yield were decreased during water deficit conditions. Among the twelve cultivars and hybrids, Karpuravalli, Karpuravalli x Pisang Jajee, Saba, and Sannachenkathali was identified as tolerant to water deficit with least reduction in total chlorophyll content, soluble protein content and yield in the range of 8, 9 and 11 per cent over control.; whereas, Matti, Pisang Jajee x Matti, Matti x Anaikomban and Anaikomban x Pisang Jajee were notified as sensitive cultivars and hybrids with highest reduction per cent of 22, 26 and 19 total chlorophyll content, soluble protein content and yield than control which is leads to get very low yield.