Publication Date
1997
Description
Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is a crop of particular interest in semi-arid regions, used for herbage and hay productions. However, its seed yield is reduced by drought stress that occurs during seed filling. In this study five cultivars (Axi, Big Bee, Lilibeo, Sacromonte and Saniros) subjected to four irrigation frequencies in controlled environment, were compared for their physiological responses to subsequent water stress period (3 days). Some parameters (leaf water potential (), osmotic potential (þ), relative water content (RWC) and gravimetric soil water content (GSWC)) related to plant water status were recorded. Plants subjected to previous periods of water stress were less sensitive to final drought stress than plants never stressed (control). Among cultivars examined, Lilibeo showed significantly higher values of , þ and RWC. Therefore, it seems to be the most tolerant cultivar for its ability to mantain high water status under water stress conditions.
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Water Relations in Berseem Cultivars Under Drought Stress
Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is a crop of particular interest in semi-arid regions, used for herbage and hay productions. However, its seed yield is reduced by drought stress that occurs during seed filling. In this study five cultivars (Axi, Big Bee, Lilibeo, Sacromonte and Saniros) subjected to four irrigation frequencies in controlled environment, were compared for their physiological responses to subsequent water stress period (3 days). Some parameters (leaf water potential (), osmotic potential (þ), relative water content (RWC) and gravimetric soil water content (GSWC)) related to plant water status were recorded. Plants subjected to previous periods of water stress were less sensitive to final drought stress than plants never stressed (control). Among cultivars examined, Lilibeo showed significantly higher values of , þ and RWC. Therefore, it seems to be the most tolerant cultivar for its ability to mantain high water status under water stress conditions.
