ISHS Acta Horticulturae 535: First International Citrus Biotechnology Symposium
INFLUENCE OF CITRUS EXOCORTIS VIROID ON CITRON SEEDLING WATER RELATIONS |
| Authors: | S. Cohen, N. Mogilner, S. Moreshet, M. Bar-Joseph |
| Keywords: | Citrus exocortis viroid, plant water relations, Citrus medica |
| Abstract:
Water relations of greenhouse-grown Etrog citron (Citrus medica) seedlings were studied during three drying cycles, after infection with citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd). One set of plants was subjected to two drying cycles (2.5 and 4 months after inoculation) and another set to one drying cycle (3 months after inoculation). From 2.5 to 4 months after inoculation, growth of leaf area was reduced by 16% relative to non-inoculated plants (p<0.05). Significant reductions in midday water uptake (10%, significant at p<0.001) and leaf conductance (g1) in wet soil were observed after 3 and 4 months, respectively. Response to drying was similar to that in the non-inoculated controls. Plant hydraulic conductance was not significantly different from that in non-inoculated plants. The results suggest that the viroid reduces g1. Possible causes are changes in cell wall properties, or stress signals transmitted from the roots where the viroid is initially concentrated. | |
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