Relationship between photosynthesis and substrate moisture for container-grown hibiscus and cornus

A. Fulcher, R. Geneve

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

A photosynthesis-based irrigation system is a novel approach to nursery crops irrigation management and could conceivably reduce water use during production. Experiments were conducted to determine the plausibility of a photosynthesis-based irrigation system. Cuttings, seedlings, and grafted (self and reciprocal) plants from two woody genera (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Cornus florida and Cornus kousa) were tested. To determine if the plants responded similarly to reduced substrate moisture, gas exchange was measured over a range of substrate moisture contents. Photosynthetic rates remained near maximum over a wide range of substrate moisture contents. Moisture response curves were similar among the species and among cuttings, seedlings, and grafted plants. A sigmoidal equation best represented the relationship between photosynthetic rate and substrate moisture content.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationXXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010)
Subtitle of host publicationInternational Symposium on CLIMWATER 2010: Horticultural Use of Water in a Changing Climate
Pages183-186
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 31 2011

Publication series

NameActa Horticulturae
Volume922
ISSN (Print)0567-7572

Keywords

  • Nursery crops
  • Substrate water content
  • Water deficit

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Horticulture

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