Variability for water use efficiency traits and drought tolerance in castor ( Ricinus communis L.) germplasm lines

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during rabi 2005-06 to examine the genotypic differences in WUE traits and to identify lines with drought tolerance. Eleven germplasm lines were sown and stress was imposed by withholding irrigation from 45DAS and extended till 120 DAS. Plant height, leaf number and tertiary branch production was reduced significantly with stress. SCMR was significantly more in stress at 55 DAS. SLA did not differ significantly in control and stress. Strong negative correlation of SCMR with SLA is seen (>-0.90.) both in control and stress treatments. Genotype RG297 showed high SCMR, low SLA, and high TDM both in control and stress treatments. This genotype also showed higher seed yield and HI in stress with less percent reduction in seed yield compared to control and with low DSI values.