Physiological behavior of scion/rootstock combination of citrus under water stress

Abstract

The objective was to study the formation of dry matter and the physiological behavior of combinations scion/rootstocks of citrus under water stress in a greenhouse. An experimental design of randomized blocks was used in factorial (4 x 2 x 2) scheme, with four water levels [50, 75, 100 (control) and 125% of evapotranspiration), two citrus scions {grapefruit ‘Star Ruby’ (Citrus paradisi) and a lime acid ‘Tahiti’ [Citrus latifolia (Yu. Tanaka) Tanaka] select EMBRAPA 2001}, grafted in two rootstocks [‘Rangpur Santa Cruz’ lemon (Citrus limonia L. Osbeck), and trifoliate hybrid – 069. The study evaluated gas exchange (photosynthesis, A, transpiration, E, stomatal conductance, gs, internal concentration of CO2, Ci, water use efficiency, EUA, and intrinsic efficiency of carboxylation, EICi) with use of IRGA and total dry matter (FST) of plants. The water stress reduces the gas exchange in citrus combinations; the Star Ruby/Rangpur lemon has growth potential in semi-arid region.