Stress tolerant crop varieties of major arid zone crops to promote resilience to climatic stresses

摘要

The western dry or hot arid regions of India is unique for its harsh climatic conditions; mainly high temperature, low rainfall and nutrient deficient soils which are affecting crop productivity. Crop productivity is apparently influenced by genetic potential, cultivation practices and climatic factors; of which genetic potential is very important with respect to crop and varietal adaptability under specific conditions. Arid region demands crops and varieties having high tolerance to moisture stress and high temperature stress under limited nutrient availability for climate resilience. The inherent potential of pearl millet, moong bean, moth bean and cluster bean to survive under hot arid conditions made them the principal crops of the region occupying maximum acreage. The seed purpose watermelon showed high adaptability for cultivation under hyper arid conditions. Earliness in crop varieties is an important trait to add climate resilience in arid environment. The popular varieties of the region showed tolerance to moisture stress and high temperature.