Morphological and Biochemical Changes in Moth Bean during Drought Stress

Abstract

The current investigation on the repercussions of drought stress on the growth parameters of the Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) has been carried out in a semi-field condition. Two sets of local moth bean cultivars (RMO-40: fifteen in each) were prepared, and one was subjected to terminal drought stress. The rest was maintained with proper watering as a control set. The treated plants were thoroughly evaluated based on leaf length, root length, and relative leaf water content in comparison with the control ones. The findings of this study reveal a significant impact of drought stress on moth bean's growth and physiological performance. Under drought conditions, treated plants exhibited considerable reductions in leaf length and root length compared to their well-watered counterparts. Additionally, the relative leaf water content declined under drought stress, indicating decreased water uptake and retention within the plants under stress. These outcomes underscore the vulnerability of moth bean to drought stress, emphasizing the urgency of developing efficient water management strategies and drought-resistant varieties to safeguard food security in regions where this legume serves as a staple crop. This research highlights the importance of understanding the adverse effects of drought stress on moth bean's growth parameters for sustainable agriculture and food production.