The objective of this study was to investigate the common bean adaptation to drought, as support to breeding programs directed to regions with water deficiency, through the evaluation of leaf water potential and stomatal diffusive resistance. Furthermore, the canopy temperature was evaluated with the infrared thermometer technique to infer the plant water content. From twenty days after emergence until harvest, the genotypes Carioca and RAB 96 were submitted to two water treatments: adequate irrigation and water deficit. The 'Carioca' showed higher leaf water potentials and better water recovery capacity compared with 'RAB 96'. This cultivar also showed lower stomatal diffusive resistance and canopy temperature, due to its better adaptation to drought compared with 'RAB 96'. The canopy temperature was significantly correlated to leaf water potential and since its measurement is rapid and non-destructive, hence, it is a useful technique for genotype selection to drought tolerance.
leaf water potential; stomatal diffusive resistance; canopy temperature; infrared thermometer
