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Effects of Clone and Irrigation on the Stomatal Conductance and Photosynthetic Rate of Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

B. Gail Smith
Affiliation:
Unilever Plantations, Plant Breeding International (Cambridge), Maris Lane, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 2LQ, England
Paul J. Burgess
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Water Management, Silsoe College (Cranfield University), Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4DT, England Ngwazi Tea Research Unit, Mufindi, c/o PO Box 4955, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
M. K. V. Carr
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Water Management, Silsoe College (Cranfield University), Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4DT, England

Summary

Stomatal conductances (g) and photosynthetic rates (A) were monitored in six tea clones planted in a clone X irrigation experiment in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Measurements were made during the warm dry seasons of 1989 and 1990. There was no genotype X treatment interaction in the response in A or g of the various clones to irrigation. Irrigation increased A more than it increased g. Irrigation also increased the temperature optimum for photosynthesis and decreased photo-inhibition at high illuminance. Clones differed in g and A, and in the relationship between leaf temperature and A. The implications of these findings for clone selection are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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