The study was aimed at investigating the effect of supplemental irrigations on physiological and agronomic responses of mungbean through evaluation of transpiration, leaf water potential, chlorophyll content and seeds yield during drought pockets. A completely randomized block device with three replications was used to conduct the rainy season study. Four watering regimes were applied from the 26th day after seed sowing and during drought pockets: rain only (0J), tap water after 5 days without rain (5J), after 10 days without rain (10J) and after 15 days without rain (15J). Supplemental irrigation had a significant effect on transpiration, leaf water potential and chlorophyll content of plant leaves. Leaf water potential was the lowest and the highest transpiration at 70 DAS under the 5J supplemental irrigation regime, with higher chlorophyll content. The study also revealed that the frequency of irrigation every 5 days without rain significantly improved the harvest index (p≤0.004), the number and mass of seeds per plant (p≤0.001), justifying the choice of this water treatment for a better production of well-filled seeds and tops.

Drought pocket Harvest index Mungbean Productivity Supplemental irrigation