Neoformation and summer arrest are common sources of tree plasticity in response to water stress of apple cultivars.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Depending on the species, water stress affects different growth and developmental processes, mainly due to changes in hydraulic properties and hormonal signalling. This study compared the impact of water stress on tree development and organ growth in three apple cultivars.

Methods

Trees were differentially irrigated to induce water stress or to provide well-watered conditions in their second and third years of growth. Effects of water stress were evaluated at tree scale by shoot number and proportions of the different types of shoots, and at shoot scale by metamer appearance rate, growth duration and arrest time, as well as organ size.

Key results

Water stress promoted early growth cessation, prolonged summer arrests and decreased growth resumption

SUBMITTER: Chen D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6526318 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature