Gas Exchange Responses of Foxtail Millet (Setaria Italical.) Under Drought Stress at Grain Filling Stage

Abstract

A pot culture experiment was conducted to determine the responses of Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) varieties FXV 625, SIA 3222, SIA 3085 and SIA 3156 against drought stress at grain filling stage. Pots of 30×30×30 cm were selected for this study and the experiment was done in CRD. All the plants were subjected to drought stress by withholding irrigation for ten days at grain filling stage. On the final day of the treatment data was collected on various morpho-physiological, biochemical parameters and yield parameters. The varieties SIA 3156 and SIA 3085 recorded maximum growth under drought stress whereas the varieties FXV 625 and SIA 3222 were recorded less growth under drought stress. The maximum growth of the SIA 3156 and SIA 3085 is linked with maximum gas exchange characteristics which is further coupled with high yields under drought stress.