Moisture stress is a critical factor that significantly impacts various aspects of plant growth and metabolic processes. Among these, the germination phase holds utmost importance in the overall growth cycle of plants as it directly influences the establishment of plant stands and ultimately affects the final crop yield. The negative effects of moisture stress on plant growth and metabolism are multifaceted. During the germination phase, water availability plays a crucial role in facilitating seed imbibition, triggering metabolic processes such as respiration and activating enzymes necessary for germination. In the absence of adequate moisture, these processes are hindered, leading to delayed or failed germination, compromised seedling vigour, and reduced overall plant growth. Furthermore, moisture stress can disrupt various metabolic pathways, including photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient assimilation, leading to imbalances in plant metabolism. These disruptions may manifest as reduced chlorophyll content, impaired carbon fixation, altered carbohydrate partitioning, and compromised synthesis of essential biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. These metabolic disturbances collectively contribute to the overall inferior growth and performance observed under moisture stress conditions.

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Keywords: Irrigation Intervals, Pusa Chetki, Crop-Plants, Water-Logged, Experimental Pots.