Morphology, Biomass, and Vessel Diameter of Pigeon Pea Subjected to Water Stress

This research was designed to study the effects of drought on pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] morphology, biomass, and vessel diameter. Cultivated seeds of pigeon pea (cv. Georgia-II) were germinated, maintained in an environmental chamber, and arranged as a split-plot design with four replications; harvest was the main effect and watering regimens were tested against residual error. Plants were watered every 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 days. Number of stems and leaves, as well as total plant height, were measured weekly. Dry weight (DW) of roots, stems, and leaves were recorded at each harvest, and root cross sections were viewed to determine vessel diameter. Results indicated that plant morphology, biomass, and vessel diameter were significantly affected by harvest and watering regimen. Plants watered more frequently had more stems and leaves, grew taller, accumulated greater DW, and had larger diameter vessels within root tissue.