Abstract:
The anatomical and epidermal characteristics, as we
ll as the physiological response, of
'Colombia' ecotype cape gooseberry plants treated o
r untreated with foliar applications of
kaolin at 2 irrigation levels (well-irrigated plant
s vs. water-stressed plants) were
evaluated. Relative Water Content (RWC), stomatal de
nsity, and chlorophyll index were
reduced under water stress. Water stress increased l
eaf temperature and trichome
density. In water-stressed plants, the foliar appli
cation of kaolin decreased transpiration
rates, leaf temperature, trichome density, and leaf
thickness. Kaolin also improved the
plant height, total plant dry mass, water-use effic
iency, and increased stomatal density in
water-stressed plants. The results suggest that kao
lin may be a useful tool to mitigate the
negative effects of water stress and may improve th
e efficient use of water in cape
gooseberry plants with especial water conditions.
Keyword:
Leaf characteristics, Leaf transpiration, Water str
ess.
