vDrought Resilience in Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.): The Role of Root Traits and Proline Accumulation | Current Research Progress in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 10

Green gram (Vigna radiata L.), a vital legume crop in Asia, plays a significant role in sustainable agriculture by enriching soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and providing essential macro- (proteins, dietary fibers) and micro-nutrients (Fe, Mg, P). However, its productivity is often constrained by drought, which disrupts key physiological and biochemical processes, ultimately reducing yield. This study aimed to identify drought-tolerant green gram genotypes by assessing 50 accessions for root, shoot, and biochemical traits under controlled moisture stress in red laterite soil using a greenhouse pot experiment.

 

Results indicated that drought stress induced an increase in root length and diameter, enhancing nutrient uptake and osmoregulation. In contrast, shoot length and dry weight declined, though resilient genotypes such as VBN 3 and PLM 38 maintained relatively higher dry weights. Biochemical analysis showed a significant rise in proline accumulation—strongly associated with drought tolerance—in most genotypes, with IC 395518 and ML 1415 exhibiting the highest levels. This suggests that proline plays a crucial role in preserving cell turgor and alleviating stress effects. While chlorophyll content declined under drought conditions, total phenolic content increased in certain genotypes, further indicating adaptive stress responses. Correlation and path analysis revealed strong positive associations between root traits and proline content, underscoring their role in drought resilience.

 

Overall, this study highlights that genotypes with well-developed root systems and higher proline accumulation exhibit greater drought tolerance. These findings emphasize the importance of breeding programs focused on these traits to enhance green gram productivity in the face of climate change. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant variation in characters for screening against drought tolerance among 50 green gram genotypes, emphasizing the importance of root architecture and proline accumulation in withstanding moisture stress.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Amritha K Binukumar
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram 695 522, India.

 

Lovely B
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram 695 522, India.

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpas/v10/4907