LEAF GAS EXCHANGE AND GROWTH IN RED RASPBERRIES IS REDUCED WHEN PART OF THE ROOT SYSTEM IS DRIED

We present results from both field and pot experiments on the potential of different asymmetric irrigation treatments for the raspberry crop in Scotland.
Partial rootzone drying (PRD) is a novel irrigation technique, which has found a wide application in the horticulture industry.
Watering alternately only part of the root system, a partial drying of the rootzone can be achieved.
Under drying soil conditions, roots are able to sense variations of soil water content and send chemical signals (plant hormones?) to the leaves, which are instrumental in reducing the aperture of leaf stomata, thereby reducing transpirational water loss and growth.

This strategy has particular significance in that it can improve water use efficiency without affecting fruit yield.

VIII International Rubus and Ribes Symposium

M. Stoll, H.G. Jones, J.M. Infante

Partial rootzone drying, PRD, irrigation, root-to-shoot communication, Rubus idaeus

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2002.585.111