| Abstrakt: |
Abstract: We studied water relations and gas exchange in six almond genotypes grafted on GF677 in response to withholding irrigation for 14 days and a subsequent 10-day rehydration period. The responses to drought stress significantly differed in the almond genotypes; the tolerant plants were distinguished and monitored. Leaf relative water content (RWC) decreased by more than 23%, leaf water potential dropped to less than -4.3 MPa, and electrolyte leakage increased to 43% in dehydration-sensitive genotypes. Photosynthesis (PN) and stomatal conductance (gs) of drought-sensitive genotypes were significantly reduced by 70% and 97% in response to water deficiency. Water stress significantly enhanced wateruse efficiency up to 10 folds in drought-tolerant almonds. The difference between leaf temperature and its surrounding air temperature (ΔT) increased significantly to more than 187% under water stress in drought-tolerant genotypes. In addition, the reduction in the g s and further ability to preserve RWC were involved probably in drought-tolerance mechanism in almond. Negative significant correlations were found between ΔT, PN, and gs. Based on the correlations, we suggested that ΔT could be used as a simple measurement for monitoring water stress development in the irrigation management of almond orchards. In conclusion, ‘Supernova’ and the Iranian genotypes ‘6-8’ and ‘B-124’, were found to be more droughttolerant compared with other genotypes in this experiment. |
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