Comparative effects of partial rootzone drying and deficit irrigation on growth and physiology of tomato plants

Abstract

The effects of partial rootzone drying (PRD), deficit irrigation (DI), and full irrigation (FI) on tomato physiology were investigated. In PRD and DI plants, leaf water potential values and stomatal conductance were significantly lower, while xylem ABA concentration was greater compared to FI plants. Photosynthesis was similar for all treatments. Water use efficiency was improved by PRD and DI, which reduced fruit dry weight, but had no effect on dry weight of leaves and stems.

Keywords

• tomato
• partial root drying
• deficit irrigation
• soil and leaf water status
• gas exchange
• water use efficiency