Publication Date

1985

Location

Kyoto Japan

Description

Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum) was grown in soil beds with a controlled water table in the glasshouse, or in the field at Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand. A gradient in leaf water potential (L WP) was evident as water stress developed, the youngest leaves exhibiting lower L WP than older leaves bearing pods. But density was reduced during the drying phase to -10 or -15 bar, but showed a persistent increase for up to 8 weeks following rewatering relative to plants having a constant water table. The ratio of floral to total buds was independent of treatment. Inflorescence density exerted the major control over seed yield, which was enhanced by developing stresses of -7 or -10 bar and rewatering. In the field Siratro plants grown on trellises exhibited LWP c. 1.0 to 1.5 bar lower than plants grown in swards, which had lower seed yields. Seed yield from trellises was independent of irrigation treatment but seed yields were 273, 323 and 298 g m-2 respectively in swards irrigated throughout or irrigated after LWP of -7.6 and -9.7 bar developed.

Share

COinS
 

Flowering and Seed Production of Macroptilum atropurpureum cv. Siratro as Influenced by Water Stress

Kyoto Japan

Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum) was grown in soil beds with a controlled water table in the glasshouse, or in the field at Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand. A gradient in leaf water potential (L WP) was evident as water stress developed, the youngest leaves exhibiting lower L WP than older leaves bearing pods. But density was reduced during the drying phase to -10 or -15 bar, but showed a persistent increase for up to 8 weeks following rewatering relative to plants having a constant water table. The ratio of floral to total buds was independent of treatment. Inflorescence density exerted the major control over seed yield, which was enhanced by developing stresses of -7 or -10 bar and rewatering. In the field Siratro plants grown on trellises exhibited LWP c. 1.0 to 1.5 bar lower than plants grown in swards, which had lower seed yields. Seed yield from trellises was independent of irrigation treatment but seed yields were 273, 323 and 298 g m-2 respectively in swards irrigated throughout or irrigated after LWP of -7.6 and -9.7 bar developed.