Effect of Mineral Nutrient Sprays on Photosynthesis and Stomatal Opening of Water-stressed and Unstressed Apple Seedlings I. Complete Nutrient Sprays1

Abstract

Abstract Solution cultures altered with polyethylene glycol to induce a water stress of− 1.0 bar decreased net photosynthesis (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Cs) in the leaves of ‘York Imperial’ apple seedlings (Malm domestica Borkh.). Sprays with a complete nutrient solution produced similar responses and further decreased Pn and Cs in water-stressed plants. It appeared from the mesophyll conductance (Cm) calculation that reduction in Pn rate in water-stressed, as well as sprayed trees, was not caused solely by a stomatal factor. It is not known, however, whether nonstomatal limitation of Pn reflects a decreased capacity for CO2 fixation or increased light respiration, since mesophyll conductance was calculated assuming constant (zero) sink CO2 concentration in the leaf. In another experiment, decreasing to − 1.0 bar water potential of nutrient solution reduced daily water consumption and fresh weight of ‘York Imperial’ apple seedlings. Sprays with complete nutrient solution also tended to decrease daily water consumption of plants. Water stress decreased leaf Ca and root K and Mg concentrations, indicating that water stress may lower the absorptive capacity of the roots. However, water-stressed plants contained more Ca in the roots than unstressed plants, suggesting that lower leaf Ca concentration in stressed plants was caused by suppressed transport. Leaf sprays with complete nutrient solution increased Mg concentration in the leaves and stems and Ca concentration in the leaves.