Effects of Soil Drought in the Generative Phase of Development of Field Bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) on Leaf Water Status, Photosynthesis Rate and Biomass Growth

The effects of 10-day periods of soil drought during flowering (DI) or pod growth (DII) and during both these phases (DI + DII) on leaf water status, photosynthesis rate, plant growth and production of biomass was studied in pot experiments with field bean. Soil water content during drought spells were kept at 30% of field water capacity. Soil water deficiency DI and DII depressed the leaf water potential relatively to control by about 100 % and 140 % respectively, increased the water deficit by 100 % and 120 % and reduced photosynthesis rate by 80 % and 90 %. Rehydration of tissues completely abolished any decline of photosynthesis rate caused by drought DI, but after drought DII photosynthesis rate remained depressed by about 30 % even after rehydration. Drought periods DI and DII caused more rapid withering of leaves, a decline in the total leaf area and a temporary increase of root weight.
Drought occuring at flowering (DI) also activated the mechanism of plant adaptation to water deficiency during the pod formation phase (DII). Single or double periods of drought had not any significant influence on the number of pods and seeds, but decreased their weight.