Early physiological indicators of Fabaceae plants were studied, in rain shelter, under water stress, in pots, with seedlings having two threeleaflets leaves. Experimental design used was randomized factorial with: four species, four levels of water stress and five replications. Parameters measured after 15 days of water stress, on each species were: relative water content, water stress resistance index, water consumption, water use efficiency, water content and hydration degree. Broadly, results obtained showed that water stress inhibits all parameters for studied plants. These parameters could be used as early indicators and relevant criteria of drought tolerance, useful in varietal selection and like yield improvement parameters in areas victims of water starvation. Results obtained, concerning water status: management and water use efficient, allowed to adduce that C. cajan and T. vogelii would be more tolerant to water stress than V. subterranea and P. lunatus
