| Summary: | The main objective of the thesis work was the detailed characterization of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) genotypes contrasting for terminal drought tolerance. For that work, we used a set of near isogenic lines (NIL-QTLs; carrying terminal drought tolerance quantitative trait locus (QTL) from a drougth tolerant donor parent on the genetic background of a sensitive parent) and a recombinant inbred lines population (RIL; developed from a cross between the tolerant and sensitive genotype). In these contrasting genotypes we investigated following physiological traits. Transpiration rate (Tr), transpiration efficiency (TE), transpiration response to increased vapor pressure deficit, threshold in volumetric soil moisture where transpiration begins to decline (FTSW threshold), stomatal density (SD), sensitivity of plants' growth to VPD below and above 2kPa. Regarding biochemical traits, we followed content of chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoids (Car), abscisic acid (ABA), proline (Pro), we conducted isozyme analysis of antioxidative enzymes [superoxid dismutase (SOD), ascorbic peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT)]. The main leading thread for understanding the drought tolerance mechanisms of pearl millet came from the analysis of traits related to the control of water losses under fully irrigated...
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