Browsing by Author "Atuhaire Ruth"

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    Evaluating the Effect of Excessive Water Stress on Different Genotypes of Solanum aethiopicum (Shum)
    (Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-19) Atuhaire Ruth
    This study evaluated the physiological and morphological responses of Solanum aethiopicum Shum genotypes (E11, E15, and E16) to excessive moisture stress. The objective was to assess tolerance traits under excessive water stress conditions. Physiological parameters included light transmittance, reflectance, absorbance, fresh weight, dry weight, water content and chlorophyll content (Chlorophyll-a and Chlorophyll-b), while morphological traits such as stem diameter, plant height, leaf dimensions, petiole length, and wilt scores were analyzed. Significant differences were observed in physiological responses. The control and E16 genotypes maintained higher light absorbance (2.9%) and Chlorophyll-a content (31.4 µg mg⁻¹), indicating greater stress tolerance. In contrast, E11 and E15 showed reduced absorbance and chlorophyll levels, suggesting susceptibility to oxidative damage. Morphological traits further revealed marked variability. The control genotype exhibited superior stem diameter (8.8 cm), plant height (21.1 cm), and leaf area (264.0 cm²), alongside zero wilt scores, highlighting its resilience under stress. Conversely, E11 and E16 showed reduced growth metrics and higher wilt scores, indicating greater vulnerability to moisture stress. These findings underscore the potential of tolerant genotypes, such as the control and E16, for breeding programs aimed at improving resilience to excessive moisture conditions. The results also contribute valuable insights into genotype-specific adaptations, which can inform future strategies for cultivating Solanum aethiopicum Shum under abiotic stress. Further research is recommended to explore the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying these responses.