Effect of water stress on the growth of pea root system and yield

Root growth,TTC activity and pea yield were investigated with a pot experiment simulating water stress.The results showed that a light water stress was beneficial to root system growth,increased 40.17 % of root length and 70.83% of dry weight of root at seeding stage.However,root growth was inhibited by any degree of water stress at flowering and filling stage.R/S increased along with the increase of stress degree and elongation of stress time at each stage.The maximal increase of 84.62 % was found at flowering stage after long-term severe stress.Activity of TTC decreased by water stress,the maximal rate of decrease of 80.34 % was observed at filling stage after long-term severe stress.Water stress had significant effect on yield at flowering stage,and no significant reduction of yield was found at seeding stage.