Effect of induced moisture stress at critical stages on physiological traits and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field investigation was made at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University farm in Coimbatore during the late Kharif 2019 and late Rabi 2019-20 seasons to quantify the impact of induced moisture stress (MS) at critical stages (10, 15, 20, & 25 days from panicle initiation and flowering) on physiological traits and yield of rice. The experiment was laid-out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. During both seasons, physiological traits (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and chlorophyll index) were recorded after the MS period (10, 15, 20 and 25 days) at both critical stages. The experimental results revealed that MS of any period and any stage (panicle initiation and flowering) reduced the values of all physiological traits, grain and straw yields in both seasons. The MS period of 25 days from panicle initiation significantly reduced all physiological parameters, including rice yield.