Affiliation:
1. Institute for Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans‐Ruthenberg‐Institute), Crop Water Management in the Tropics and Subtropics University of Hohenheim Stuttgart Germany
2. Plant Pathology and Plant‐Microbe Biology Section Cornell University Geneva New York USA
3. Genetic Resources Program International Potato Center (CIP) Lima Peru
Abstract
AbstractPotato is a drought susceptible crop and even short drought spells reduce tuber yields notably. In an earlier study we developed a stress severity index (SSI) based on the development stage of a genotype at the onset of drought and the soil water deficit based on soil water tension. Here, we test the suitability of the SSI combined with remotely sensed data as a screening tool to select drought‐tolerant potato genotypes. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) were obtained from reflectance measurements and thermography. Temperature data from the thermography allow using the difference between leaf and air temperature (∆T) to estimate the transpirational cooling of the leaves. Via cluster analysis including SSI, tuber yield reduction under drought, NDVI, PRI and thermography, three groups were distinguished: 1. SSI < 1000 with fast decreasing NDVI, PRI and ∆T, 2. SSI 1000–2000 with almost constant NDVI and ∆T and 3. SSI > 2000 described by small changes of NDVI, PRI and temperature deficit. For SSI < 1000, ∆T, PRI and NDVI showed to be good indicators of genotypic performance under drought. Potential strategies for drought resistance in potato detectable through remote sensing are discussed.
Funder
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
Subject
Plant Science,Agronomy and Crop Science