ROLE OF BENZYLADENINE AND GIBBERELLIC-ACID IN ALLEVIATING WATER-STRESS EFFECT IN GRAM (CICER-ARIETINUM)

Two gram (Cicer aerietinum L.) genotypes, 'C 235' (susceptible) and 'R SG 143-1' (moderately tolerant to water stress), were grown in earthen pots. One set of plants were subjected to water stress only once (S-1 ) at 45 days after sowing and another set twice (S,) at 45 and 80 days after sowing. Both the control (non-stress) and stressed plants were sprayed with benzyladenine and gibberellic acid separately at the time of imposing stress. Water stress increased the proline, amino acids a nd total soluble sugars but decreased the soluble proteins and starch content in the leaves. Spray of hormones stimulated accumulation of al l these metabolites, especially under water stress in both the genotyp es. Stress-induced increase in amino acids, particularly of proline an d soluble sugars, might be responsible for osmotic adjustment. Spray o f benzyladenine and gibberellic acid could alleviate adverse effect of water stress partly in both the genotypes especially in 'RSG 143-1'. Gibberellic acid was more effective in ameliorating water-stress effec t than benzyladenine in both the genotypes.