Articles
WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF PERGOLA-TRAINED KIWIFRUIT PLANTS
Article number
498_17
Pages
151 – 158
Language
Abstract
Water use efficiency (WUE) was evaluated on pergola-trained mature kiwifruit plants (cv.
Hayward) spaced at 4 x 4 m in an orchard located in Southern Italy (40°20′ N, 16°48′ E). During the growing season leaf area index (LAI) evolution was evaluated and the exposed/shaded leaves ratio estimated.
Leaf and fruit gas exchange was measured with a portable open system (ADC-LCA4). LAI evolution was rapid and reached its maximum value, i.e. 3.7, 80 days after bud burst, when 60% of the leaf surface was shaded.
During the growing season shaded leaves showed 95% lower CO2 assimilation and 60% lower transpiration than those exposed.
Water consumption of fruits during the season varied between 0.2 and 0.6 m3 ha-1 d-1, with the highest values during the first 30 days from fruit set.
The daily carbon balance of shaded leaves was negative, so that these leaves were not a source but rather a sink for the plant.
Hayward) spaced at 4 x 4 m in an orchard located in Southern Italy (40°20′ N, 16°48′ E). During the growing season leaf area index (LAI) evolution was evaluated and the exposed/shaded leaves ratio estimated.
Leaf and fruit gas exchange was measured with a portable open system (ADC-LCA4). LAI evolution was rapid and reached its maximum value, i.e. 3.7, 80 days after bud burst, when 60% of the leaf surface was shaded.
During the growing season shaded leaves showed 95% lower CO2 assimilation and 60% lower transpiration than those exposed.
Water consumption of fruits during the season varied between 0.2 and 0.6 m3 ha-1 d-1, with the highest values during the first 30 days from fruit set.
The daily carbon balance of shaded leaves was negative, so that these leaves were not a source but rather a sink for the plant.
Publication
Authors
C. Xiloyannis, B. Dichio, G. Montanaro, R. Biasi, V. Nuzzo
Keywords
transpiration, water use, fruit growth, carbon balance
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