Articles
DROUGHT STRESS DYNAMICS OF WILD BLUEBERRY (VACCINIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM AITON)
Article number
618_41
Pages
353 – 362
Language
English
Abstract
The impact of drought stress on the water dynamics, leaf gas exchange and yield components of wild blueberry was examined during the 2000 growing season at the Nova Scotia Wild Blueberry Institute.
Leaf chlorophyll, dark and light adapted fluorescence, shoot upright and rhizome sap flow, stem water potential, leaf net photosynthesis and transpiration, growth, development and yield component data were collected.
There were no significant effects of the water exclusion treatments on chlorophyll or dark adapted fluorescence (Fv/Fm). Marked differences in seasonal volumetric soil moisture were present in this study.
Leaf net photosynthesis, light-adapted fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and sap flow measurements of the water excluded treatments were significantly lower at mid-day in June, July, and August, and redistribution of water through horizontal-oriented rhizomatous tissue was evident in this study.
Differences in yield were present with the two water exclusion treatments having harvestable yields that were 14 and 22% lower than the naturally rainfed control.
Results from this study support the theory of the wild blueberry being a stress tolerant plant with a range of adaptive mechanisms including stomatal regulation and water redistribution occurring through rhizomatous tissue.
Leaf chlorophyll, dark and light adapted fluorescence, shoot upright and rhizome sap flow, stem water potential, leaf net photosynthesis and transpiration, growth, development and yield component data were collected.
There were no significant effects of the water exclusion treatments on chlorophyll or dark adapted fluorescence (Fv/Fm). Marked differences in seasonal volumetric soil moisture were present in this study.
Leaf net photosynthesis, light-adapted fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and sap flow measurements of the water excluded treatments were significantly lower at mid-day in June, July, and August, and redistribution of water through horizontal-oriented rhizomatous tissue was evident in this study.
Differences in yield were present with the two water exclusion treatments having harvestable yields that were 14 and 22% lower than the naturally rainfed control.
Results from this study support the theory of the wild blueberry being a stress tolerant plant with a range of adaptive mechanisms including stomatal regulation and water redistribution occurring through rhizomatous tissue.
Authors
D. Percival, A. Murray, D. Stevens
Keywords
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