INTERACTION OF LEAF TYPE WITH LEAF AREA INDEX ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES IN HIRSUTUM COTTONISOLINES UNDER DRYLAND CONDITIONS

摘要

Sixty per cent of cotton is grown under rainfed conditions in Vidarbha of Maharashtra. It ranks first in acreage and third in production. Various varieties and hybrids are released for cultivation but it is better to know the performance of leaf typeand optimum leaf area index for dryland conditions in relation to moisture use efficiency. Isolines with different leaf morphology have shown different rates of transpiration, stomatal conductance, boll number and seed cotton yield (Dhopte et al., 1988).Pilose type at increased plant density showed better yield performance under dryland conditions (Dhopte and Jamdar, 1989). Guinn and Mauney (1984) reported decreased yield and boll retention under stress conditions. The information on interaction of leaf type with leaf area index in relation to productivity is limited and this may help knowing suitable leaf type and optimum leaf area index for maximum productivity under dryland conditions.