Browsing by Author "Dhanapal, R.D."

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    Photosynthetic Characteristics and Water Relations in Coconut Palms Under Drip Irrigation on Sandy and Laterite Soils
    (2002) Naresh Kumar, S.; Rajagopal, V.; Laxman, R.H.; Dhanapal, R.D.; Maheswarappa, H.P.
    Plants response to irrigation depends on various internal and external factors. The leaf moisture status and its photosynthetic efficiencies are interrelated and largely influence the final economic yield.To assess the extent of this influence on yield, coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palms, grown on sandy and laterite soils were given different levels of irrigation through drip {sandy-66,100 and 133% of open pan evaporation (Eo); laterite - 33,66 and 100% of Eo} and basin (100% of Eo). Control palms without irrigation were maintained. The data on source parameters (photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence (PSII) characteristics, besides water relations) were recorded during 1995-96 and 1996-97. Sink parameters such as female flower production, nut yield and nut retention were recorded during the experimental period. Photosynthetic rate, Y leaflet and PS II efficiency varied with the irrigation level and soil type. Instantaneous WUE increased markedly with irrigation and time. Palms receiving irrigation also showed marked improvement in female flower production and their retention to produce higher nut yields. Three types of physiological conditions in source and sink were observed in the palms based on the type of irrigation treatment they were subjected to. Results indicated that the drip irrigation provided conditions for better physiological efficiency of source and sink for high WUE and yield.They also indicated that the drip irrigation increased WUE at field and at plant and leaflet level.