Plant growth, water relations and proline content of three vetch species under water-limited conditions

摘要: Vetch species (Vicia narbonensis, V. sativa and V. villosa) are widely used for fodder production in Tunisia. This study aims to investigate vetch strategies involved drought resistance through morphological physiological criteria. Plants were sown pots subjected four soil-water levels: 100% (control), 80, 60 40% of field capacity (FC). After 133 d water treatment, under well-watered conditions, V. narbonensis showed the largest plant height shoot root dry matter highest leaf relative content potential (Ψw), whereas had greatest area (LA). At FC smaller decreases LA, reduction Ψw (140%). Thus, it shows better adaptation a more equilibrated balance, despite having accumulated less proline than two other species. Vicia sativa V. villosa similar behaviour stress with superiority latter. was most affected terms its growth water-status parameters. mainly avoidance mechanisms withstand drought, showing tolerance.