Effects of Water Deficit on Leaf Growth during Vegetative Growth Period in Soybean

Leaf area is critical for crop light interception, and thereby has a substantial influence on crop yield. This experiment was conducted to characterize the development of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] leaf area. Plastochron index and leaf relative growth rate of Jackson was contrasted with the PI416937, which also has demonstrated tolerance to drought. First, plastochron ratio (PR) and plastochron index (PI) were evaluated in greenhouse to compare the leaf growth rate between two genotypes under well-watered condition. There was reasonable constancy of PR between two genotypes. The PR means of Jackson and PI416937 were 0.41 and 0.44, respectively. A fairly smooth increase of PI during vegetative stage was observed. Second, the relative growth rates were graphed against leaf area, normalized with respect to final leaf area, under well-watered and water-deficit conditions. Leaf growth was sustained longer in well-watered condition than water-deficit condition and there was a sizable proportion of leaves which was ceased earlier their growth in water-deficit condition compared to well-watered condition. The leaf relative growth rate of Jackson until leaves had completed at 45% of their growth during water deficit period was higher than that of PI416937.