ISSN:
1573-5036
Keywords:
cacao
;
growth
;
temperature
;
Theobroma cacao
;
water relations
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract Growth of 55-day-oldTheobroma cacao var.Comum seedlings varied with temperature regimes, various plant parts, growth parameters, and time of harvesting. Over a 60-day period the optimal day-temperature regimes were near 33.3°C for dry weight increase and relative growth rates of seedlings and leaves; 30.5°C for increase in leaf area, height growth, and leaf abscission; 22.2°C for dry weight increase of stems or roots, stem diameter growth, and root-shoot ratio. The rates of increase in dry weights of stems or roots as well as root-shoot ratios declined progressively at temperatures above 22.2°C Partitioning of dry matter was affected by temperature regime, with proportionally more photosynthate retained by shoots and less translocated to roots at high temperatures. The progressive decrease in the root-shoot ratio at temperatures above 22.2°C may decrease drought tolerance of seedlings because roots will be less capable of absorbing endugh water to replace transpirational losses. This was shown by more negative shoot water potentials at high temperatures.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02370661
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