Effect of water stress on functioning and structure ofCicer arietinum L. nodules

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. cv. 235) plants were grown in sand culture at moisture equal to 45 -50 % of sand saturation capacity under greenhouse conditions. 60 d after sowing, pots were divided into four lots, leaving one as control and sand moisture content of others was brought to 25 -30 % (S1), 12 -15 % ($2) and 5 -6 % ($3) of sand saturation capacity, by withholding the water supply and then maintaining the required levels gravimetrically till the harvest. Relative water content of leaves and nodule water content were measured as indices of water stress. With increase in the severity and duration of water stress nitrogenase activity and nitrogen and leghemoglobin content of the nodules decreased and the ratio of leghemoglobin components I and II were changed. Nodules developed under limited water availability showed decreased branching, breakdown of the endodermis, greater compactness and decreased vacuolation of cells in the central symbiotic tissue as compared to the control.

Managing Water Stress by Potassium Fertilizer in Legumes for Sustainable Agricultural Intensification: A Review

“…It has been reported that leghaemoglobin content declined in dehydrated nodules subjected to severe drought (Figueiredo et al 2008). The leghemoglobin content decreased significantly with an increase in water stress in chickpea (Swaraj et al 1995), faba bean (Abd-alla and Abdel- and in cowpea (Lobato et al 2009). Nitrate reductase plays a key role in nitrate assimilation.…”

Role of Potassium on Growth, Nitrogen Fixation and Biochemical Traits in [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] under Water Stress

“…Under water stress condition, the decreases in nodule biomass occur due to reduced availability of carbohydrate to the nodules. Nodules showed decreased branching, breakdown of endodermis, greater compactness and decreased vacuolation of cells in the central tissue as compared to the control under water stress (Swaraj et al, 1995). Potassium increase total leaf area and hence, photosynthesis, this further increases progressive translocation of photosynthates towards roots system for use by nodules and hence improves root nodules (Suryapani et al, 2014).…”