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Physiological Responses of Selected Synthetic Variety Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Seedlings to Water Stress
Abstract:
Synthetic Variety (Syn Var) coconut, an open pollinated variety recommended for the nationwide replanting program of the Philippines was characterized for its physiological responses to water stress at seedling stage.
West African tall genotypes had significantly smaller girth size among seven Syn Var progenies during the first year. No marked difference in stomatal density was noted. Thirty-day water stress significantly reduced plant height (4.11%), girth size (21.39%), leaf count (66%), and accelerated leaf senescence of the progenies of three selected base populations of Syn Var. Water stress likewise decreased leaf waterpotential and increased cell permeability and wax content. Recovery of seedlings was negatively correlated to electrolyte leakage at 30 days of dehydration. At 15 days of dehydration, the three progenies seemed to adopt a desiccation tolerance strategy by maintaining membrane stability despite decreasing leaf water potential and increasing soil water deficit.
The absence of marked genotypic separation implied that these three Syn Var progenies behaved similarly under water stress despite their varied genetic constitution. This is supportive to the breeding objective for uniformity in performance of the progenies. Test parameters like electrolyte leakage and water potential are valuable tools in differentiating varieties with regard to responses to water stress.