Morpho-anatomical and physiological aspects of Passiflora edulis Sims (passion fruit) subjected to flooded conditions during early developmental stages

Abstract

Soil flooding is a phenomenon that reduces survival, growth and development of plants, and can cause a decrease in crop productivity. Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is commercialized, has medicinal properties, and can benefit from irrigation when cultivated. However, there are no studies showing the effects of excess water in the soil on this plant. The objective of this study was to verify morpho-anatomical and physiological changes during early developmental stages of passion fruit seedlings exposed to different water levels in the soil. Seedlings were organized into three treatments: soil at field capacity, pre-submerged soil and flooded soil. After seven days, analyses of gas exchange, water potential, proline content and anatomical root sections were performed. The flooded soil had important effects on gas exchange and photosynthesis. No changes in water potential or proline content were verified among the different treatments. The pre-submerged and flooded treatments resulted in increased root diameter and thickness of apoplastic barriers and the cortex. Passion fruit exhibited physiological and anatomical responses that allowed it to survive in pre-submerged and flooded conditions.

Keywords

• Gas exchange
• Passifloraceae
• Proline
• Root anatomy
• Water potential