Effect of Kaolin Application on Growth, Water Use Ef ficiency, and Leaf Epidermis Characteristics of Physalis peruviana L. Seedlings under Two Irrigation Regimes

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.