Responses of slenderleaf rattlebox (Crotalaria ochroleuca) to water deficit

Abstract

Water deficit affects plant growth and development thus affecting crop productivity. It is the major a biotic stress experienced in the vast semi arid and arid regions of Kenya and the world as a whole. Water deficit mainly causes reduction in plant growth and development. Crotalaria ochroleuca is an important indigenous leafy vegetable which is a legume grown and consumed in Kenya and Tanzania and other parts of Africa. The slender leaf rattlebox is very rich in protein, calcium, iron, Beta carotene and ascorbic acid and therefore can contribute to good human health therefore increased production of this vegetable should be used to solve the problem of malnutrition in the country and also act as food security. A study was conducted to evaluate the responses of slender leaf rattlebox to Water deficit. The study as carried out at the University Botanic Garden. Twenty seeds of …