Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to analyze gas exchanges in leaves and the parameters of productivity of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) submitted to two water deficiency periods during which three water regimes were employed: W1 (1,0 ETo during the entire plant cycle); W2 (1,0 ETo up to the flowering period and irrigation interruption from the 37 to the 51st day following sowing, and W3 (in addition to the reproductive phase, water deficit was also applied during the vegetative stage). Photosynthesis was one of the main physiological factors affected by water deficit. This was not only caused by the stomata closure, but also by carboxilation reduction due to metabolic damage. This effect was, however, offset 24 h after rehydration. During flowering, the water deficit caused crop productivity to drop significantly, reducing the number of pods and the number of seeds per pod, independently of the water deficit during the vegetative stage. The weight of 100 seeds however, was the same regardless of treatment. These results suggest that the water deficit caused the reduction of photo-assimilates, which affected grain productivity. Nevertheless, once properly formed, seeds developed totally; a strategy of the plant to produce less seeds under stress, but viable to perpetuate the species.
Highlights
In semi-arid areas, where the deficit of pluvial precipitation is one of the main factors limiting agricultural production, efforts have been directed towards the development of productive systems that has been well accepted by the local population (Smolikowski et al, 2001)
The purpose of the present study was to analyze gas exchanges in leaves and the parameters of productivity of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) submitted to two water deficiency periods during which three water regimes were employed: W1 (1,0 ETo during the entire plant cycle); W2
Photosynthesis was one of the main physiological factors affected by water deficit
Summary
In semi-arid areas, where the deficit of pluvial precipitation is one of the main factors limiting agricultural production, efforts have been directed towards the development of productive systems that has been well accepted by the local population (Smolikowski et al, 2001). Most of the bean production in the Northeastern Brazil is accomplished under severe water deficiency, causing staggering losses at some time of the crop cycle This problem is still greater for those small farmers who have no means to set up irrigation systems for their crops. A far more comprehensive study of environmental issues, mainly those involving interactions between the atmosphere and the socalled surface processes (vegetation, for instance), constitutes basic prerequisites for further rational exploration of the region’s natural resources. This will help subsidize researches in areas such as: meteorology, farming, engineering, energy and environmental sciences, among others
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