AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightWater and light use efficiencies were quantified and predicted through the best-fit (non-) linear models.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
This experimental study was carried out using the 'Camarosa' variety strawberry plants grown in pots in greenhouse conditions. One control and two drought levels were created by bringing the existing soil water content of the pot to the field capacity (I100-control) and using its 66% (I66-mild drought stress) and 33% (I33-severe drought stress) in irrigation. The experimental design of the randomized complete blocks design was applied in four replicates with 10 pots per replicate amounting to a total of 120 pots. In order to determine the plant response to the generated stress levels, stomatal conductivity (Sc, mmol m2 s-1), total chlorophyll content (SPAD, μmol m-2 s-1), chlorophyll concentration (CC, mg g-1), leaf surface temperature (LST, °C), photosynthetic quantum yield (Qy, %), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, W s-1), leaf water content (LWC-%), yield (g pot-1), leaf area (LA), leaf number (LN), and crop water use were measured in three plants per each replicate. 1.89, 3.62, and 5.82 L pot-1 were applied to I33, I66, and I100 as irrigation water, while 2.59, 3.92, and 5.59 L pot-1 were crop water used from them, respectively. Average strawberry yield varied between 80 and 400 g pot-1. The increased drought stress decreased Sc, SPAD, CC, Qy, PAR, LWC, LA, and LN but increased LST. All the measured variables had significant relationships with irrigation water and crop water use. Yield had a linear relationship with LST and LN and a polynomial relationship with Sc, SPAD, CC, Qy, PAR, LWC, and LA. Water and light use efficiencies were quantified and predicted through the best-fit (non-) linear models.