Premium
Changes in leaf water status associated with salinity in mature, field grown Prunus salicina
Author(s) -
Ziska Lewis H.,
Hutmacher Robert B.,
Hoffman Glen J.,
DeJong Theodore M.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
physiologia plantarum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.351
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1399-3054
pISSN - 0031-9317
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3054.1989.tb05990.x
Subject(s) - salinity , transpiration , stomatal conductance , horticulture , turgor pressure , saline water , morning , biology , botany , water content , agronomy , ecology , photosynthesis , geotechnical engineering , engineering
Seasonal and diurnal measurements of leaf water potential (ψ 1 ), relative water content (RWC) and stomatal conductance (g s ) were made in the field on 19‐year old Prunus salicina (L.) cv. Santa Rosa, a deciduous fruit tree species, irrigated with 3 different concentrations of saline water over a 3 year period (1985‐1987). With the exception of stage III of fruit growth, little or no treatment difference in Φ 1 , leaf turgor potential (Φ p ), or RWC was noted during the day. Seasonal averages of morning (0700‐0900) and afternoon (1500‐1700) Φ p did not decline with increasing salinity, indicating long‐term osmotic adjustment in this species. Maintenance of leaf water status under saline conditions was in part a consequence of increased stomatal closure, with a subsequent reduction in leaf transpiration rate. However, during stage III of fruit growth, an increase in mean afternoon (1200‐1700) stomatal conductance of 26‐117%, independent of salinity treatment, was observed in 1985 and again in 1987. Higher conductance values during this period may be associated with rapid fruit expansion and greater assimilate demand. The observed increase in conductance resulted in greater leaf water loss and larger measured differences in midday ψ 1 between salinity treatments. This research indicates that for Prunus salicina in the field, salinity stress resulted in leaf water deficits only during the final period of fruit expansion and ripening.