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The effect of water stress on potato growth, development, and yield

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Abstract

The effect of water stress on plant morphology, production rate and marketable yield is discussed based on the literature. Compared to other species the potato is a drought sensitive plant. The reduction of yield as a result of water stress can be caused by reduced leaf area and/or reduced photosynthesis per unit of leaf area. Water shortage during the tuber bulking period decreases yield to a larger extent than drought during other growth stages.

The relationship between the stress parameters relative water content (RWC), leaf water potential (LWP) and stomatal diffusion resistance on the one hand and photosynthesis on the other is discussed. Further it is shown how the amount of water needed by the potato crop depends on climate, soil and plant characters. Finally the effect of water stress on marketable yield and varietal differences to shortage of moisture are discussed.

Resumen

Basándose en la literatura, se discute el efecto del stress hídrico sobre la morfología de la papa, la rata de producción y el rendimiento comercial.

Comparada con otras especies, la papa es sensible a la sequía. La reducción del rendimiento como resultado de este stress puede ser debida, a la reducción del área foliar y/o a la reducción de la fotosíntesis por unidad de área foliar. La reducción del rendimiento causada por escasez de agua durante el período de tuberización, es mayor que aquella causada durante otros estados de desarrollo.

También se discute la relación entre la fotosíntesis y los parámetros de stress hídricos, tales como: contenido hídrico relativo (RWC), potencial hídrico de la hoja (LWP) y la resistencia a la difusión por los estomas. Se muestra además que la cantidad de agua requerida por el cultivo, depende del clima, del suelo y de las características específicas de la planta. Finalmente se discute el efecto del stress hídrico sobre el rendimiento comercial del cultivo, asi como también las diferencias que existen entre variedades con respecto a la falta de humedad.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Station for Arable Farming and Field Production of Vegetables, Lelystad, The Netherlands

    C. D. van Loon

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Based on a paper presented as part of the Stress Physiology Symposium, sponsored by the Physiology Section of the Potato Association of America, presented July 23, 1979, at the 63rd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, B.C.

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van Loon, C.D. The effect of water stress on potato growth, development, and yield. American Potato Journal 58, 51–69 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02855380

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