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Relationships between xylem anatomy, root hydraulic conductivity, leaf/root ratio and transpiration in citrus trees on different rootstocks
Author(s) -
RodríguezGamir Juan,
Intrigliolo Diego S.,
PrimoMillo Eduardo,
FornerGiner M. Angeles
Publication year - 2010
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.1399-3054.2010.01351.x
Subject(s) - rootstock , xylem , transpiration , biology , botany , horticulture , fibrous root system , root system , photosynthesis
The aim of the study was to determine the extent in which leaf and whole plant transpiration (Tp) were influenced by root hydraulic conductance (K r ), leaf to root ratio and leaf mass. Also, the relationships between the anatomic characteristics of roots and K r were investigated. To this end, 9‐month‐old seedlings of the citrus rootstocks Cleopatra mandarin (CM), Poncirus trifoliata (PT), and their hybrids Forner‐Alcaide no 5 (FA‐5) and Forner‐Alcaide no 13 (FA‐13) and 15‐month‐old trees of Valencia orange budded on these four rootstocks were tested. The hybrid FA‐13 and PT had higher values of K r and leaf transpiration rates (E) than FA‐5 and CM. There was a positive curvilinear correlation between E and K r . Furthermore, E levels in the different types of plants decreased with increased leaf/root (L/R) ratios. Pruning of the roots and defoliation confirmed that transpiration rates were strongly influenced by the L/R ratio. However, variations in E because of differences in L/R ratios were less pronounced in trees budded on FA‐13 and PT than on the other two rootstocks. In addition, there was a positive correlation between Tp and leaf biomass, although differences between rootstocks may be attributed to differences in K r . The average lumen diameter of xylem vessels was greater in rootstocks with high K r . Size of epidermal and hypodermal cells of fibrous roots may also restrict K r .