INFLUENCE OF WATER STRESS ON THE EPICUTICULAR WAX LOAD IN DEVELOPMENT STAGES OF SORGHUM

Abstract

An experiment was carried out during 1992, to study the effect of rainfed conditiones on the leaf epicuticular wax load during three development stages of five sorghum genotypes. Leaf samples were taken during vegetative stage 53 days after sowing (DAS), anthesis (68 DAS) and grain filling (83 DAS). Epicuticular wax was determined by a colorimetric method. The results showed statistical differences (P≤ 0.01) in the leaf wax load among genotypes water stress levels and phenological stages. In general all five genotypes under, rainfed conditions increased the leaf epicuticular wax load by 21 % as compared to the watered plants. The leaf epicuticular wax load at the grain filling stage was 64 % higher than at the vegetative stage. It was concluded that the water stress level and the genotype affect the leaf epicuticular wax load.