Abstract

To evaluate the impact of limited water availability and potassium fertilization on growth, antioxidative systems and pigment content in urad bean, plants were grown in pot culture during 2016-2017. The treatments were based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Plants were supplied with four moisture regimes (400 ml, 200 ml, 100 ml and 50 ml of water). Control plants were supplied with 500 ml of water. Potassium was applied in the form of 200 ppm KCl and KNO₃. Plants were observed from 25 upto 55 days of plant growth at 10-day interval for different treatments. Decrements in growth parameters (viz. shoot length, number of leaves and fresh weight) and chlorophyll stability index were observed due to water stress, and maximum decrement was observed when plants were supplied with 50 ml water. While antioxidant enzymes (viz. POD and CAT) and carotenoid content increased with increasing level of stress (50 ml water) as compared to control. Growth parameters and CSI increased while antioxidant enzyme activity and carotenoid content decreased upon foliar treatment with KCl and KNO₃, due to maintenance of favorable internal tissue moisture. However, the effect of KNO₃ was more prominent than that of KCl.