Work

Genotypic differences in leaf gas exchange and growth responses to deficit irrigation in reticulatus and inodorus melons (Cucumis melo L.)

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Leaf gas exchange and growth responses of three melon cultivars, i.e., Mission, Da Vinci (var. reticulatus), and Super Nectar (var. inodorus) to two irrigation regimes, 50 and 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc) were investigated under water-limited conditions of southwest Texas. In 2012, deficit irrigation (50% ETc) significantly decreased above-ground biomass, leaf area, leaf number, and specific leaf area, while leaf gas exchange, relative water content, water potential, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and chlorophyll content (SPAD index) were not affected. However, in the drier year 2011, deficit irrigation significantly reduced net photosynthetic rate (PN) and stomatal conductance (gs). Further, the responses to water deficit varied with cultivars. At 50% ETc, PN and gs were maintained in cv. Da Vinci while decreased in Mission and Super Nectar. Thus, the late maturing cv. Super Nectar appeared to be more sensitive to drought stress, possibly due to the decrease in leaf area and PN.

Source: Photosynthetica

DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.022

Authors: S.P. SHARMA, D.I. LESKOVAR, K.M. CROSBY

Institutions: Punjab Agricultural University, Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Irrigation Practices and Water Management

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,140