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Sorghum Genotype Variation in Stomatal Sensitivity to Leaf Water Deficit¹

Leaf diffusive resistance and its variation among lines and their hybrids were determined in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. As plants were progressively stressed for moisture leaf diffusive resistance and leaf-water potential were monitored to determine their relationship in these materials in a growth chamber at College Station, Texas. Stomatal sensitivity varied significantly among the entries during progressive water deficit. The stomatal conductance of leaves of ‘Alpha’ and ‘Shallu’ decreased rapidly as leaf water potential declined, whereas it declined more slowly in ‘I.S.1598C’ and ‘M35-1’. In general the behavior of the F₁ hybrids was similar to that of the more sensitive parent, but the correspondence was not consistent. The results suggest that stomatal sensitivity may be an important element of intergenotype variation in resistance to drought.

Key Words: Drought resistance • Leaf resistance • Conductance • Water Potential • Sorghum bicolor L.

² Formerly research assistant (present address, Hermitage Research Station, via Warwick, Q. 4370, Australia); associate professor, professor, Soil and Crop Sciences Dep., Texas A&M Univ., and geneticist, ARS-USDA, College Station, TX 77843.

Received for publication November 10, 1975.