Abstract

Drought response of pearl millet, often grown in semiarid and tropical regions with limited amount and duration of rainfall, was studied in the field with four levels of moisture gradient using line-source sprinkler system. Moisture stress effects on the physiological aspects of crop growth were analysed to determine relationships with grain yiled and to evaluate possible drought avoidance mechnaisms. Increasing mositure stress resulted in progressively less Leaf Area (LA), Leaf Area Duration (LAD) and shoot dry matter. Conversely, Specific Leaf Weight (SLW) increased with increased levels of stress. Variation in moisture regime has significantly influenced the grain yield.

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