ISHS Acta Horticulturae 275: International Symposium on the Culture of Subtropical and Tropical Fruits and Crops
EFFECTS OF WATER STRESS ON GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF PASSIFLORA EDULIS (SIMS) GRAFTED TO P. CAERULEA L. |
| Authors: | G.W. Staveley, B.N. Wolstenholme |
| Abstract:
The response of P. edulis grafted to P. caerulea to soil water was evaluated in a heated glasshouse by irrigating when soil water pressure potential fell to -0.003, -0.013, -0.02, or -0.05 MPa. Fruit and stem dry matter, number of nodes, leaf area, number of flower buds, fully developed flowers and fruits set, and days to first fruit set were reduced by soil water stress. Changes were also noted in a range of morphological characteristics. Total non-structural carbohydrates accumulation was greatest at the stem base at all water levels. Greater water stress resulted in an increase in TNC at the scion base, although not at the middle or stem tip. The results suggest that soil water potential should not exceed -0.02 MPa during critical periods of flower differentiation and fruit set. | |
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