Broccoli and cauliflower are sensitive to drought stress at all stages of growth, responding with reduced growth and premature heading. Root, tuber, and bulb vegetables. In sweetpotatoes, Irish potatoes, carrots, and onions, yield depends on the production and translocation of carbohydrates from the leaf to the root or bulb. The most sensitive stage of growth generally occurs as these storage organs enlarge. Carrots require an even and abundant supply of water throughout the season.
Moisture stress causes the formation of small, woody, and poorly flavored roots.
Uneven irrigation can lead to misshapen or split roots in carrots, secondary growth in Irish potatoes, and early bulbing in onions. Fruit and seed vegetables. Cucumbers, melons, pumpkins and squashes, lima beans, snap beans, peas, peppers, sweet corn, and tomatoes are most sensitive to drought stress at flowering and during fruit and seed development. Fruit set on these crops can be seriously reduced if water is limiting. An adequate supply of water during the period of fruit enlargement can reduce the incidence of fruit cracking and blossom-end rot in tomatoes.