ISHS Acta Horticulturae 424: II International Rose Symposium
CHANGES IN STEM DIAMETER DEPEND UPON VARIATIONS IN WATER CONTENT IN ROSE PLANTS |
| Authors: | L. Urban, C. Fabret, L. Barthelemy |
| Abstract:
16 adult rose plants (Rosa hybrida cv. Sonia) were grown in rockwool in a phytotron. Water uptake was estimated by computing the difference between the rate of nutrient solution supply and the rate of leaching. Transpiration was measured using a balance continuously recording the loss of weight in the entire system. Changes in stem diameter were recorded using linear variable differential transducers (LVDT) placed at the base of four developing shoots. Changes in stem diameter were related to changes in the water content of 16 plants. Radial hydraulic resistance to water diffusion in stems seems to be very low and stem reservoirs appear to be very early sensors of water depletion. When the nutrient solution supply was suppressed, the amplitude of the daily increase in stem diameter was reduced as early as one day later, probably as the result of an increase in salinity in the rhizosphere. When water depletion became more severe, stem diameter decreased from one day to another. It is suggested that LVDT could be used for triggering irrigations and predicting the quality of the production. | |
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