STUDIES ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AS A SELECTON CRITERIA FOR DROUGHT TOLERANCE AMONG HYBRID COCONUT ACCESSIONS

摘要

Fifteen genotypes of coconut (Cocas nucifera L.) comprising five each in tails, dwarfs and hybrids were screened for their tolerance to drought based on the physiological and bio chemical parameters viz., Stomatal Resistanse (rs), Transpiration Rate (Tr) Chlorophyll Stability Index (CSI), Proline Content and Epicuticular Wax Content (ECW). Coconut palms had varying responses to the prevailing soil and atmospheric drought during summer months. In general, tall genotypes had relatively high stomatal resistance and lower transpiration rate with high epicuticular wax content as compared to hybrid and dwarfs.