Articles
Gas exchange and water relations of ‘Imperial’ apricot (Prunus armeniaca) grafted on Marianna and apricot rootstocks
Article number
1450_9
Pages
69 – 74
Language
English
Abstract
Rootstocks reportedly influence the physiological characteristics of the scion, as well as fruit yields and fruit quality of fruit trees.
To maximize fruit yields, fruit quality, and potential profits, it is crucial to determine which rootstocks are essential for sustainable apricot production.
The influence of rootstock on gas exchange parameters, plant water status, and fruit quality of apricot trees on two different rootstocks (apricot seedling rootstock and Marianna plum (Prunus cerasifera × Prunus munsoniana)) were investigated.
A field trial was conducted in a commercial orchard, in Montagu, Western Cape province during the 2023/2024 growing season.
Parameters that were monitored comprised of net CO2 assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), and plant water status under prevailing microclimatic conditions.
After harvesting on November 30, 2023, fruit yields and fruit quality parameters such as total soluble solids, fruit diameter, and fruit mass were assessed.
Significantly higher A, gs, and E were recorded in trees on Marianna plum rootstock compared to trees on apricot seedling rootstock on October 24, 2023, with no significant differences being observed on the other measured days.
Although gs was significantly higher in trees on Marianna plum rootstock, there were no significant differences in plant water status between the two rootstocks on October 24, 2023. Fruits harvested on trees on Marianna plum rootstock had significantly higher total soluble solids compared to those on apricot seedling rootstock.
Fruit diameter, fruit mass, and total yield did not differ significantly amongst trees on the two rootstocks.
Results from this study indicate that rootstock influences leaf-level gas exchange variables like A, E, and gs, thereby influencing water use efficiency.
The selection of a rootstock is an important decision in enhancing fruit production under various microclimatic conditions.
To maximize fruit yields, fruit quality, and potential profits, it is crucial to determine which rootstocks are essential for sustainable apricot production.
The influence of rootstock on gas exchange parameters, plant water status, and fruit quality of apricot trees on two different rootstocks (apricot seedling rootstock and Marianna plum (Prunus cerasifera × Prunus munsoniana)) were investigated.
A field trial was conducted in a commercial orchard, in Montagu, Western Cape province during the 2023/2024 growing season.
Parameters that were monitored comprised of net CO2 assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), and plant water status under prevailing microclimatic conditions.
After harvesting on November 30, 2023, fruit yields and fruit quality parameters such as total soluble solids, fruit diameter, and fruit mass were assessed.
Significantly higher A, gs, and E were recorded in trees on Marianna plum rootstock compared to trees on apricot seedling rootstock on October 24, 2023, with no significant differences being observed on the other measured days.
Although gs was significantly higher in trees on Marianna plum rootstock, there were no significant differences in plant water status between the two rootstocks on October 24, 2023. Fruits harvested on trees on Marianna plum rootstock had significantly higher total soluble solids compared to those on apricot seedling rootstock.
Fruit diameter, fruit mass, and total yield did not differ significantly amongst trees on the two rootstocks.
Results from this study indicate that rootstock influences leaf-level gas exchange variables like A, E, and gs, thereby influencing water use efficiency.
The selection of a rootstock is an important decision in enhancing fruit production under various microclimatic conditions.
Publication
Authors
L. Banda, P.C. Tharaga, J.C. Dlamini, N.T. Mobe, Z. Ntshidi, T.L. Dirwai, S. Pareeth
Keywords
rootstock, gas exchange, plant water status, net CO2 assimilation rate
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