Evaluating the effect of rootstocks and potassium level on photosynthetic productivity and yield of pear trees

Abstract

In this experiment, leaf gas exchange, photosynthetic efficiency, area index, and chlorophyll content were measured in pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees grown on different rootstocks and potassium fertilization doses. Our results showed that trees budded on the Pyrodwarf rootstock had the biggest leaf area and the highest photosynthetic efficiency, photosynthesis rate, and chlorophyll content. There was no correlation between the applied potassium fertilization dosage and the photosynthetic efficiency of the trees. This paper is addressed to discuss various mechanisms and selected factors responsible for pear tree photosynthetic productivity.