Effect of Substrate Moisture and Potassium on Water Relations and C, N and K Distribution in Vigna Radiata

Abstract

The Vigna radiata L. plants were grown in greenhouse at moisture content of sand (SMC) of 12.0 ± 0.5 %. At flower bud initiation stage, i.e. 45 - 50 d after sowing, the SMC was decreased to 3.5 ± 0.5 %, and the effects of applied potassium (0, 2.56 and 3.84 mmol dm-3) were studied. During water stress, K-fed plants maintained higher leaf water potential and relative water content (RWC) of leaves and nodules and lower osmotic potential as compared to untreated plants. The proline content was higher in nodules than in leaves showing their difference in degree of stress. A partial recovery was found after re-irrigation. When subjected to drought, carbon was accumulated in the leaves and declined in nodules and roots. K-fed plants showed higher C and N content in stem, roots and nodules than untreated plants. The content of K significantly increased in stem and nodules in K-fed plants, irrespective of SMC. Dry masses of different plant parts were also increased in K-fed plants.