Asian Journal of Plant Sciences1682-39741812-5697Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/ajps.2010.368.374JangprommaN. SongsriP. ThammasirirakS. JaisilP. 6201096In vitro assessments of chlorophyll content are expensive, laborious and time consuming. The alternative methods which are more rapid and straightforward could be very useful. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of water stress on chlorophyll content and SPAD Chlorophyll Meter Reading (SCMR) and the relationship between chlorophyll content and SCMR under well-watered and drought conditions. Ten sugarcane genotypes (Uthong 6, Khon Kaen 80, K86-161, Khon Kaen 3, 03-4-425, KU60-1, Phill.66-07, B34-164, Uthong 2 and LF82-2122) and two water regimes (well-watered control and water stress at early growth stage) were laid out in factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with two replications. Drought was imposed to the crop for 10 days during 90 days after transplanting (DAT) to 100 DAT. Data were recorded for total chlorophyll content by N, N-dimethylformamide extraction and SCMR on the second fully expanded leaf from the top at 90 DAT, 100 DAT and 110 DAT. Drought significantly reduced chlorophyll content and SCMR. The reduction in chlorophyll content was more severe than SCMR. Similar responses of sugarcane genotypes to drought and well-watered conditions were observed for chlorophyll content and SCMR. The breeding line 03-4-425 and the cultivars KU60-1 were identified as the best genotypes for chlorophyll content and SCMR. The correlation coefficients between chlorophyll content and SCMR were significant under well-watered conditions and the relationships were more strong and consistent under drought and drought relief. The SCMR can be used for evaluation of chlorophyll content under different water regimes.]]>Arunyanark, A., S. Jogloy, N. Vorasoot, C. Akkasaeng, T. Kesmala and A. Patanothai,20098102110Barraclough, P.B. and J. Kyte,20012001pp: 722-723pp: 722-723Borrell, A.K., G.L. Hammer and R.G. Henzell,20004010371048Cenkci, S., I.H. Cigerci, M. Yildiz, C. Ozay, A. Bozdag and H. Terzi,2010Brassica rapa L.]]>67467473Clark, A.J., W. Landolt, J.B. Bucher and R.J. Strasser,2000Fagus sylvatica) response to ozone exposure assessed with a chlorophyll fluorescence performance index.]]>109501507Cubas, C., M.G. Lobo and M. Gonzalez,2008Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by N,N-dimethylformamide using response surface methodology.]]>21125133Efeoglu, B., Y. Ekmekci and N. Cicek,2009753442Giunta, F., R. Motzo and M. Deidda,2002125197205Hawkins, T.S., E.S. Gardiner and G.S. Comer,200917123127Hoshmand, A.R.,20062nd Edn.,Kapotis, G., G. Zervoudakis, T. Veltsistas and G. Salahas,2003Amaranthus vlitus: Correlation with physiological processes.]]>50395397Liu, Y., T. Zhang and J. Wang,2008Reaumuria soongorica.]]>501926Mensah, J.K., B.O. Obadoni, P.G. Eroutor and F. Onome-Irieguna,2006Sesamum indicum L.).]]>512491253Minolta,1989Monje, O.A. and B. Bugbee,1992276971Moran, R.,19826913761381Netto, A.T., E. Campostrini, J.G. de Oliveira and O.K. Yamanishi,2002Carica papaya L.]]>14203210Netto, A.T., E. Campostrini, J.G. de Oliveira and R.E. Bressan-Smith,2005a fluorescence and SPAD-502 readings in coffee leaves.]]>104199209Neufeld, H.S., A.H. Chappelka, G.L. Somers, K.O. Burkey, A.W. Davison and P.L. Finkelstein,200687281286Nigam, S.N. and R. Aruna,2008Arachis hypogaea L.).]]>160111117Percival, G.C. and C.N. Sheriffs,200228215223Li, R.H., P.G. Guo, B. Michael, G. Stefania and C. Salvatore,20065751757Rostami, M., A.R. Koocheki, M.N. Mahallati and M. Kafi,2008Zea mays L.).]]>37985Schlemmer, M.R., D.D. Francis, J.F. Shanahan and J.S. Schepers,200597106112Silva, M.D.A., J.L. Jifon, J.A.G. de Silva and V. Sharma,20079193201Songsri, P., S. Jogloy, C.C. Holbrook, T. Kesmala, N. Vorasoot, C. Akkasaeng and A. Patanothai,200996790798Ting, A.S.Y., L.M. Tan and A.P.K. Ling,2009In vitro assessment of tolerance of Orthosiphon stamineus to induced water and salinity stress.]]>8206211Turner, F.T. and M.F. Jund,199183926928Uddling, J., J. Gelang-Alfredsson, K. Piikki and H. Pleijel,2007913746Wiedenfeld, R.P., 200043173182Xu, W., D.T. Rosenow and H.T. Nguyen,2000119365367Zlatev, Z.S. and I.T. Yordanov,200430318