Global Synthesis of Drought Effects on Food Legume Production

Abstract

Food legume crops play important roles in conservation farming systems and contribute to food security in the developing world. However, in many regions of the world, their production has been adversely affected by drought. Although water scarcity is a severe abiotic constraint of legume crops productivity, it remains unclear how the effects of drought co-vary with legume species, soil texture, agroclimatic region, and drought timing. To address these uncertainties, we collected literature data between 1980 and 2014 that reported monoculture legume yield responses to drought under field conditions, and analyzed this data set using meta-analysis techniques. Our results showed that the amount of water reduction was positively related with yield reduction, but the extent of the impact varied with legume species and the phenological state during which drought occurred. Overall, lentil (Lens culinaris), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) were found to experience lower drought-induced yield reduction compared to legumes such as cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and green gram (Vigna radiate). Yield reduction was generally greater when legumes experienced drought during their reproductive stage compared to during their vegetative stage. Legumes grown in soil with medium texture also exhibited greater yield reduction compared to those planted on soil of either coarse or fine texture. In contrast, regions and their associated climatic factors did not significantly affect legume yield reduction. In the face of changing climate, our study provides useful information for agricultural planning and research directions for development of drought-resistant legume species to improve adaptation and resilience of agricultural systems in the drought-prone regions of the world.

Development and production response of edible and forage varieties of pea (Pisum sativum L.) to temporary soil drought under different levels of phosphorus application

“…The drought had a significant impact in the bud-forming stage, significantly reducing the number of flowers formed. Daryanto et al [29] found that soil drought has a more negative impact on the yield of pulse crops during the period of inflorescence emergence and flowering than during leaf development or ripening of fruit and seeds. Farooq et al [30] showed that drought during the period when the first true leaves are formed is better tolerated even if it leads to shortening of cells and tissues.…”

“…Farooq et al [30] showed that drought during the period when the first true leaves are formed is better tolerated even if it leads to shortening of cells and tissues. Daryanto et al [29] found that soil drought occurring during the flowering period is more harmful than drought in the later period of development. Drought during the flowering stage limits the quantity of assimilates flowing to the forming seeds.…”

Climate-smart cropping systems for temperate and tropical agriculture: mitigation, adaptation and trade-offs

“…Symbiotic N 2 fixation which takes place in the top soil layers is extremely susceptible to drought (Liu et al, 2011). High temperatures may affect dramatically anthesis and seed set contributing to flower abortion (Daryanto et al, 2015). Consequently, the yield of food legumes grown in arid to semiarid environments are usually variable or low due to severe heat and terminal droughts that characterize these areas.…”

Root traits and their potential links to plant ideotypes to improve drought resistance in common bean

“…It is expected that the world demand for legumes will increase in the future, not only in developing countries, but also in developed nations given the increasing trend towards healthy diets (Daryanto et al 2015). In order to respond to the increase in demand, common bean has to face challenges that include higher temperatures and the associated increase in evapotranspiration combinedwitherratic and lowerrainfall .…”