The changes in epicuticular wax load (EWL) and the leaf temperature in two peanut genotypes such as JL-24 (drought susceptible) and K-9 (drought tolerant) was studied under drought stress and its recovery. The drought stress was induced at different soil moisture level (100%, 60%, 40% and 20% FC) for 7 days and subsequent recovery for 7 days. In both JL-24 and K-9 genotypes, the EWL was found to be increase with the increase in the intensity of drought stress. However, the increase in EWL in K-9 genotype was found to be significantly higher than JL-24 genotype. Moreover, the leaf temperature was also found to be increased with the increase in the intensity of drought stress and the degree of increase in leaf temperature was more pronounced in JL-24 compared to K-9 genotype. Further, after the recovery of drought stress, the EWL and leaf temperature decreased consistently in both the genotypes. The results are discussed in terms of the differences in EWL and temperature of leaf in two genotypes studied under drought stress.
Key words: peanut, genotypes, drought, epicuticular wax load, leaf temperature
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