Physiological and biochemical response of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) landraces of Kashmir valley under water stress

The present study is based on the hypothesis that natural variation for physiological and biochemical parameters can be effectively harnessed to improve water stress resilience. Under irrigated conditions, CTD decreased progressively. However, under drought stress, it decreased sharply. Under drought relative water content (RWC) had a mean value of 65.49% with the highest and lowest value recorded for C25 and C32. The largest and smallest reduction in RWC under drought was recorded in case of C32 and C9. There was wide variation in chlorophyll a and b content. The highest and lowest values for chlorophyll stability index (CSI) were recorded for C13 and C29 respectively. The DAB assay clearly differentiated the lines on the basis of darker staining of leaves. The lines showing greater per cent reductions in yield parameters such as C1, C2, C3, C7, C12, C14, C22 and C29 showed greater staining in leaves in DAB assay.