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Comparative behaviour of seedlings of sorghum and some tropical legumes in relation to leaf expansion and growth

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

R. K. Chopra ,
K. R. Koundal  and
Madhu Kansal
R. K. Chopra
Affiliation:
Water Technology Centre, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
K. R. Koundal
Affiliation:
Water Technology Centre, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
Madhu Kansal
Affiliation:
Water Technology Centre, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
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Summary

Growth rates were compared of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia), mung bean (Vigna radiata) and sorghum seedlings aged 2–5 weeks. The seedling growth rates were analysed in relation to leaf area development, net photosynthetic rate, nitrogen accumulation, nitrate reductase activity, and soluble protein content. Growth rates were highest in sorghum and lowest in C. cajan. Leaf area development was very fast in sorghum and very slow in C. cajan. Net photosynthetic rate of sorghum leaves was double that observed for the legume leaves. No significant difference was observed in nitrate reductase activity, nitrogen percentage or soluble protein content between sorghum and the legumes. In sorghum, early investment of assimilates into leaf development ensured a higher assimilation of carbon and nitrogen per plant. In the legumes, slow development of leaf area coupled with low photosynthetic rates probably resulted in slow growth of the seedlings. In the legume seedlings, vigour was related to the rates of leaf area expansion. Leaf area expansion rates were not related to the nitrogen status of the leaf in the species examined.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 104 , Issue 3 , June 1985 , pp. 625 - 630
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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