IMPACT OF DROUGHT STRESS ON DALBERGIA LATIFOLIA ROXB. AND PONGAMIA PINNATA L. PIERRE UNDER NURSERY CONDITION: THE MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL OVERVIEW

Water is a very useful non-tangible tool for survival. However, the impact of rising drought conditions is unimaginable. Plant, on which every other living organism is dependent for livelihood, becomes major victim under this condition. Two forest plant species of tropical nature viz: Dalbergia latifolia and Pongamia pinnata were selected for pot culture experiments on CRBD style. Moderate drought (MD) and severe drought (SD) stress created artificially under nursery conditions for one-year duration. Height, Collar diameter, Leaf size, Total biomass and Carbon stock were determined as growth traits and calculated mortality percentage.Photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were considered for physiological study. Total Chlorophyll, Carotenoids, Proline, Ascorbic acid and Protein content were analyzed to know biochemical status. Statistical data study was carried out using ANOVA, CD and correlation studies. The experiment results showed that the drought condition becomes more pronounced in D. latifolia seedlings as 100% mortality rate obtained under MD. Further, decreasing biomass, carbon stock, physiological parameters, chlorophyll and protein content, and increasing carotenoid, proline and ascorbic acid content confirmed the morphological results. Hence, this article proves the plantation of Pongamia pinnata species is better in moderate drought-affected areas.