SCREENING OF Vigna mungo (L.) HEPPER VARIETIES UNDER DROUGHT STRESS

Drought stress encompasses several factors that lead to water stress. It is an abiotic constraint which reduces the plant growth and agricultural productivity. In the present study, three varieties of V. mungo are screened for their growth under drought stress. Drought stress reduced the plant growth and harvest index. The yield of plants in normal soil is better even under water deficit condition as compared to plants grown in autoclaved soil indicating a definite role of soil microorganisms in drought mitigation. The harvest index, number of root nodule and pod number are more in the variety PU-1 as compared to the varieties PU-31 and T9.