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The flow of water into fruit trees. II. Water intake through a cut limb
Author(s) -
BAXTER P.,
WEST D.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1977.tb00664.x
Subject(s) - biology , xylem , ascorbic acid , water flow , botany , water transport , horticulture , environmental science , environmental engineering
SUMMARY Water was supplied to trees directly through cut limbs in order to bypass the relatively high root resistances to water flow. Addition of the reducing agents 8‐hydroxyquinoline citrate, sodium iso‐ascorbate or ascorbic acid singly or in combination significantly increased the time for which water could be supplied through a cut limb before xylem blockage reduced water inflow. Supply of water to apple trees through a cut limb increased fruit size compared with non‐irrigated control trees. Application of water by this method also allowed detection of the presence of vascular blockages in trees affected by a root weevil ( Leptopius squalidus ).