Studies on growth and productivity of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swing) cv. Kagzi as affected by moisture regimes

Abstract

Fruit yield and quality were significantly correlated with consumptive use of water and best fit of line was obtained with quadratic equation for yield and physical quality. The consumptive use of water at productive stage was estimated to be 875 mm year -1. At young age, liner correlation existed between plant growth and consumptive use. Best water use efficiency was obtained at 20 KPa soil moisture potential. Stomatal intensity, cuticular thickness, specific leaf weight and transmission coefficient increased under moisture stress while stomatal size and absorption coefficient decreased. Flushing and leaf fall were cyclic and were affected by soil moisture potential. Mild moisture stress (pre-dawn leaf RWC of 90.97 to 93.00%) followed by alleviation increased the intensity of flushing and flowering. Changes in fruit weight and size exhibited sigmoid pattern and moisture stress at an early period of fruit development (I and II stage) was critical. Moisture stress caused increase in TSS, acidity, sugar and delayed the maturity. Irrigation at 10 KPa increased the yield significantly. Low soil moisture coupled with high evaporative demand caused the accumulation of NO 3-N in leaf. Accumulation and partitioning of dry matter, protein, carbohydrates and nutrients were affected by soil moisture potential. Excessive soil moisture at active period of growth was more detrimental for growth than moisture stress as indicated by leaf area increment recovery in conductance. Seed germination percent and radicle growth were significantly reduced with increasing moisture stress monitored by polythelene glycol.