Effect of different container sizes and irrigation frequency on the growth and gas exchange characteristics of mango (Mangifera indica L.) rootstock seedlings.
Ouma G.
Author Affiliation: Department of Botany and Horticulture, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno, Kenya.
Advances in Horticultural Science 23 : 33-40
Abstract : A study was conducted from July 2003 to March 2005 in a polythene-covered greenhouse to investigate the morphological and physiological parameters of mango (Mangifera indica cv. Ngowe) rootstock seedlings as affected by 3 container sizes (1.7, 2.7 or 3.9) and 3 irrigation frequency levels (irrigation every day, every 2 days, or every 3 days). The morphological parameters determined were number of leaves, plant height, stem diameter, shoot and root dry weights, whole plant dry weight, and root to shoot ratio. The physiological parameters were CO2 assimilation rate, substomatal CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and soil respiration. The container size significantly (P=0.05) increased plant height, canopy height, shoot and root dry weights, whole plant dry weight, root to shoot ratio, and number of leaves. The irrigation frequency significantly increased the number of leaves, plant height, root and shoot dry weights, root to shoot ratio, and whole plant dry weight, but did not affect canopy height or stem diameter. The interaction between irrigation frequency and container size had no effect on canopy height and whole plant dry weight, but increased all the other parameters. Container size and irrigation frequency had no marked effect on substomatal CO2 concentration, but increased soil respiration and CO2 assimilation rate during the early months of growth. The interaction between container size and irrigation frequency was significant for CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, soil respiration and stomatal conductance.