Gas exchanges and photosynthetic pigments of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango as a function of fenpropimorph

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the application of fenpropimorph and paclobutrazol on gas exchanges and photosynthetic pigments of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango grown in the semi-arid region in different evaluation periods. Two experiments were carried out in ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango orchards in the first production cycle between September and December 2018 (first experiment) and between September and December 2019 (second experiment) in Petrolina, PE, Brazil. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks in split plots in time, 4 × 4 + 1, with four replicates. The plots corresponded to the concentrations of fenpropimorph: 0, 0.7, 1.0, and 1.3 g per linear meter of plant canopy diameter plus the additional paclobutrazol treatment (1 g per linear meter of plant canopy diameter), and the subplots corresponded to the evaluation dates (0, 30, 60, and 90 days after the first application of treatments). The following traits were evaluated: CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, transpiration, water use efficiency, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids. The fenpropimorph dose of 1.3 g per linear meter of plant canopy promotes a higher rate of CO2 assimilation; however, paclobutrazol was more effective in the accumulation of chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll, and the use of fenpropimorph did not interfere in the concentration of photosynthetic pigments.

Gas exchange in yellow passion fruit under irrigation water salinity and nitrogen fertilization

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the gas exchange of ‘Redondo Amarelo’ passion fruit seedlings under the mitigating action of nitrogen fertilization on the salinity of irrigation water. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse of the Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (CCTA-UFCG), Campus of Pombal, PB, Brazil, The experimental design was in randomized blocks, split plots, comprising five irrigation water electrical conductivities (plot) (ECw) (0.3; 1.0; 1.7; 2.4 and 3.1 dS m-1) and five doses of nitrogen (subplot) (60; 80; 100; 120 and 140% of 300 mg of N dm-3), in five blocks. Plants were grown in pots (Citropote JKS®) with volume of 3.780 mL, filled with soil, bovine manure, wood shavings in a proportion of 2:1:0.5 (mass basis), respectively. Water with salinity levels was applied in the period from 40 to 85 days after sowing. The internal CO2 concentration, transpiration, stomatal conductance and photosynthesis were measured at 55 and 70 days after sowing. There was an attenuating effect of nitrogen doses at irrigation water electrical conductivities of 1.7 and 2.4 dS m-1 on photosynthesis at 55 DAS. Irrigation water salinity reduces most of the variables evaluated, especially at the highest level studied (3.1 dS m-1).

Photosynthesis of Physalis peruviana under different densities of photons and saline stress

Physalis peruviana L. is a solanacea that has been gaining prominence due to its fruits presenting good acceptance in the national and international market. However, several abiotic factors, such as salinity, can cause physiological disturbances in plants, and these changes may be of greater or lesser intent according to species. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the physiological behavior of P. peruviana submitted to different fluxes of photosynthetically active photons (PPFD) and saline stress. The experimental design was a randomized block design with three saline levels (ECw) (0.5, 2.75 and 5.00 dS m-1) with four replications. Gas exchange measurements were performed with a portable infrared gas analyzer. Liquid CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, water use efficiency and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency were measured. Data were subjected to analysis of variance by F test and in cases of significance applied to regression analysis. The increase in PPFD provided reductions in stomatal conductance up to the density of approximately 400 μmol m-2s-1, being more pronounced in ECw of 2.75 and 5.0 dS m-1. The maximum CO2 assimilation rates in the three salinities are different according to the PPFD. The salinity of irrigation water reduced the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis in P. peruviana plants.

Competitive ability of canola (Brassica napus var. oleifera) hybrids with black oat (Avena strigosa) in a subtropical environment

The objective of this study was to assess the competitive ability of canola (Brassicanapus var. oleifera) hybrids in competition with black oat (Avena strigosa) in a subtropical environment. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse where canola hybrids ‘Hyola 61,’ ‘Hyola 76,’ ‘Hyola 433,’ and ‘Hyola 571’ were tested individually for their competitive performance with black oat. The plant proportion between black oat and the canola hybrid was changed (100%:0%; 75%:25%; 50%:50%; 25%:75%; and 0%:100%) while keeping the total population of plants constant (20 plants plot‑1). Photosynthesis rate (μmol m-2 s-1), internal CO2 concentration (μmol mol-1), and transpiration rate (mol H2O m-2 s-1) were assessed using an infrared gas analyzer 55 days after emergence. Leaf area (m2 m-2) and dry matter (g m-2) were also assessed on the same day. The data set was analyzed by the replacement series method for competition studies. There was evidence of intense competition between canola and black oat, independent of plant proportion. The competitive ability of canola was distinct among hybrids; Hyola 571 performed better than the others in the competition against black oat. Choosing the most competitive hybrid, such as Hyola 571, helps maintain high canola grain yield levels in areas infested with black oat. Highlights: There is difference in competition among canola hybrids against black oat; Hyola 571 performed better in the competition; Preference should be given for most competitive canola genotypes against weeds, and weed control should be carried out early in the critical period of interference; Aggressiveness is the most preponderant parameter in determining canola genotypes with superior ability in competition against weeds.

Physiological indices of okra under organomineral fertilization and irrigated with salt water

HIGHLIGHTS Salt water reduces gas exchange in the okra crop, but organomineral fertilization mitigates these effects. The use of organic and mineral fertilization is viable in okra crops under salt stress. Organic fertilizer (100% bovine biofertilizer) decreases internal CO2 concentration.

Physiological response of maize under different fertilization management under drought condition

This work was aimed to evaluate the development of maize cultivated under different fertilization management, in order to establish an alternative for mineral fertilization. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of Chã de Jardim, in Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. Six treatments were used with four replications. Plant height, stalk diameter, leaf number, chlorophyll a, b and total, photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance and internal CO2 concentration in the leaf were evaluated. In the 30 days after emergence, superiority of treatments was observed in the plants under chemical fertilization for plant height and number of leaves. For diameter of stalk the treatment organic fertilization + P and K showed superiority. At 60 days after planting the chemical fertilization provided the highest averages for plant height and stalk diameter. For the photosynthetic rate, transpiration and internal CO2 concentration, the treatment that presented the highest average was observed in plants under organic fertilization combined with P and K and N added in top-dressing. For the chlorophyll, the chemical fertilization provided the highest values. Organic fertilization in association with mineral fertilizers provided results close to those observed in mineral fertilization, being an alternative for nutritional management in maize.

Productive and physiological responses of jambu (Acmella oleracea) under nutrient concentrations in nutrient solution

ABSTRACT In the last years, jambu has become popular and greatly appreciated, due to its remarkable taste. Thus, hydroponically cultivated jambu is promising, since it achieves better yield and production quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ionic concentration in nutrient solution on growth, productivity and gas exchange of jambu. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments and four replicates. The treatments consisted of variations of ionic concentration using the nutrient solution proposed by Hoagland & Arnon (25, 50, 75, 100 and 125%). The length of the main stem, stem diameter, number of inflorescence, leaf area, fresh and dry biomass (shoot, root and inflorescence), photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, internal CO2 concentration, Ci/Ca ratio and instant carboxylation efficiency were evaluated. Ionic concentrations significantly affected the studied variables, except the stem diameter, the internal CO2 concentration and the Ci/Ca ratio. The number of inflorescences and the leaf area grew linearly with maximum values (37.8 units plant-1 and 1650.8 cm2 plant-1, respectively) obtained in ionic concentration of 125%. Maximum responses were observed for shoot fresh and dry mass (63.9 and 6.9 g plant-1), root fresh and dry mass (16.7 and 2.0 g plant-1) inflorescence fresh and dry mass (11.0 and 1.8 g plant-1), respectively, at ionic concentration of 125%. Liquid photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and instant carboxylation efficiency achieved maximum responses of 17.9 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1, 0.3 mol H2O m-2 s-1, 6.3 mmol m-2 s-1 and 0.06 with estimated concentrations of 84, 70, 80 and 83% of ionic strength, respectively. Thus, we concluded that the ionic concentration of 125% is indicated to obtain a greater biomass accumulation.

Physiological responses of inoculated and uninoculated peanuts under saline stress

This work evaluated the effects of water salinity on the physiological indices in inoculated and non-inoculated peanut plants. The study was carried out in a protected environment at the seedling production unit (UPMA) at Campus das Auroras, at the University for International Integration of the Afro-Brazilian Lusophony (UNILAB), Redenção, Ceará. The experimental design used was in a completely randomized (CRD), with treatments in a factorial arrangement, 5x2, referring to the five salinity levels of the irrigation water - CEa: 0.5, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6.0 dSm-1, and inoculated and non-inoculated plants with a mix of rhizobia SEMIA 630, lot 0810, and SEMIA 6144, lot 0312, from Bradyrhizobium sp., isolated, with four replications. Recommended fertilization was done for phosphorus (62.5 kg ha-1 of P) and potassium (50 kg ha-1 of K) to supply the nutritional needs of the plants. The nutritional effect caused by symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium sp. favored inoculated plants to present greater tolerance to salt stress. The availability of nitrogen collaborated to increase the efficiency of plant physiological mechanisms. Uninoculated plants, even with a higher amount of chlorophyll and CO2, were not efficient in the photosynthetic rate. Saline stress affected photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, water use efficiency, and chlorophyll; however, with less intensity when inoculated with Bradyrhizobium sp. The increase in salinity on irrigation water increased the leaf temperature.

Physiological changes in soybean cultivated with soil remineralizer in the Cerrado under variable water regimes

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the soil remineralizer fine-graded mica schist (FMS) on soybean (Glycine max) physiology, yield, and grain quality under different water regimes (WRs) in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was conducted under field conditions for two years, using four WRs and three treatments: mica schist, conventional fertilization, and control. In 2017 and 2018, the following WRs were evaluated: WR1, WR2, WR3, and WR4, corresponding to a mean value of 100, 65, 44, and 28% of crop evapotranspiration replacement, respectively. Photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, internal CO2 concentration, effective quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv’/Fm’), quantum yield (PSII) (ᶲFSII), and electron transport rate reduced as a function of the advanced phenological stage of soybean and the reduction in WR. Grain quality was only affected by the WR. The mica schist was statistically similar to conventional fertilization and the control in 2017 and 2018. Yield decreased due to the anticipation of soybean phenological age and WR, but there were no differences between the three treatments in 2017 and 2018. The reduction in soybean yield is attributed to stomatal closure, loss of photoprotective capacity, and damage to the photosynthetic machinery caused by drought.

Interrelation of Ecophysiological and Morpho-Agronomic Parameters in Low Altitude Evaluation of Selected Ecotypes of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.)

Sweet potato is a crop with a wide capacity to adapt to adverse conditions. To study the tolerance of the sweet potato to a low-altitude environment, 34 genotypes comprising three groups from different altitude conditions ranging from 18–599, 924–1298, 1401–2555 meters above sea level were evaluated. These genotypes were evaluated through ecophysiological parameters: net photosintetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (GS), transpiration (E), leaf internal CO2 (ICO2), vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and leaf internal temperate (LT). sSubsequently, water use efficiency (WUE) and carboxylation efficiency index (CEI) were estimated. Simultaneously, morpho-agronomic characterization of the genotypes was conducted including descriptors and morpho-colorimetric parameters. A wide ecophysiological variability was found among genotypes from high, intermediate and low altitudes, when those were evaluated under low altitude conditions. The genotypes that presented major soil coverage efficiency and leaf size showed greater Pn, WUE and CEI, and Low VPD and E, aspects that benefited the ability to form roots the under low-altitude environment. The altitudinal origin of the genotypes influenced the ecophysiological response under low altitude conditions. The capacity of certain sweet potato genotypes to tolerate low altitude conditions were due to to different mechanisms, such as certain morphoagronomic traits that allowed them to adjust their physiological processes, especially those related to photosynthesis.