Impact of Water Deficit on Photosynthetic Pigments and Yield of Banana Cultivars and Hybrids

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of water deficit on total chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, and yield of banana cultivars and hybrids. Stress was imposed at different critical stages viz., 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th months after planting. The stress was given by scheduling irrigation at the 50 percent available soil moisture (ASM) characteristic during critical stages. The soil moisture content was analyzed by using pressure plate membrane apparatus. In control plots, the irrigation was given at the ASM of 80 percent with a soil water potential of around -6 bars, and in the case of stressed plots; the irrigation was given when an ASM reached 50 percent with a soil water potential of -14 bars. The total chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, and yield were decreased during water deficit conditions. Among the twelve cultivars and hybrids, Karpuravalli, Karpuravalli × Pisang Jajee, Saba, and Sannachenkathali were identified as tolerant to water deficit with the least reduction in total chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, and yield in the range of 8, 9 and 11 percent over control.; whereas, Matti, Pisang Jajee × Matti, Matti × Anaikomban, and Anaikomban × Pisang Jajee were notified as sensitive cultivars and hybrids with the highest reduction percent of 22, 26, and 19 total chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, and yield than control which leads to getting very low yield.