Response of stress irrigation management on chlorophyll content, water potential, PAR and canopy temperature in tomato (Lycopersicum Esculentum Mill.)

Abstract

 This study was conducted to investigate the response of stress irrigation management on chlorophyll content, water potential, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and canopy temperature in tomato during summer season. The main plot treatments consist of  three drying cycles that is 7, 11 and 15 days and sub treatments include four irrigation levels viz.,60, 80, 100, and 120 % ETC. The control treatments i.e. drip irrigation with 100% ETC on every two alternate days.  The results showed that the 7 days drying cycle showed maximum chlorophyll content, absorbed PAR and leaf water potential followed by 11 days drying cycle. Among the drip irrigation levels, the maximum drip irrigation levels 120 % ETC exhibited significantly maximum chlorophyll content, absorbed PAR and leaf water potential. However, it was at par with 100 % ETC and further 80 % ETC drip irrigation level also showed significant at 90 and 120 DAT. While in the case of difference between canopy and air temperature (Tc-Ta) less negative values were noted by 7 days drying cycle and 120% ETC drip irrigation level.