DROUGHT RESISTANCE OF SORGHUM BICOLOR. 2. WATER STRESS EFFECTS ON GROWTH

Abstract

Water stress influenced both rate and period of growth of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench. plants. In cv. M35, water stress extended the period of leaf and stem growth and inflorescence development was delayed. In cv. NK300, the leaf and stem growth period was shortened and inflorescence development advanced by water stress. Decreased vegetative and reproductive growth occurred in both cultivars even though a positive pressure potential was detected, indicating that only small changes in water status resulted in growth changes.