ISHS Acta Horticulturae 297: II International Symposium on Kiwifruit
EFFECTS OF ROOT ANOXIA ON THE PHYSIOLOGY OF KIWIFRUIT VINES |
| Authors: | G.S. Smith, S.A. Miller |
| Keywords: | root anoxia, stomatal conductance, fruit quality, root growth |
| Abstract:
The effects of transient waterlogging on the physiology of kiwifruit vines were examined in the field and under controlled conditions. Substantial damage to the leaves and reductions in growth occurred after the roots had been exposed to concentrations of oxygen of less than 0.125 μmol l-1 for as little as a day. There was no recovery of stomatal function or new root growth for vines that had been waterlogged for more than three days. The closure of the stomata was rapid with major damage to the leaves occurring within three to five days of the roots being waterlogged. The quantity of new roots grown was inversely related to the time that the vines were in anoxic conditions. Vines with as little as 25% of their roots exposed to anoxic conditions were adversely affected. Vines of low nitrogen status were much more susceptible to root anoxia than high nitrogen vines. A greater proportion of fruit was soft at harvest where excess water was applied mid to late season compared to fruit from vines flooded earlier in the growing season. The speed with which the roots die and associated damage to the leaves under anoxic conditions greatly limits the ability of kiwifruit vines to resume growth once oxygen has been restored to their roots. | |
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