The effect of irrigation frequency on growth, flowering and stomatal conductance of osteospermum 'Denebola' and New Guinea impatiens 'Timor' grown on ebb·and-flow benches

Abstract

The response of osteospermum 'Denebola' and New Guinea impatiens 'Timor' grown on ebb-and-flow benches to different water potential of growing medium applied during whole growing period was investigated by measuring plant growth parameters and stomatal conductance (g_S). After cutting establishment, four different irrigation treatments based on soil water potential were applied to osteospermum: at -0,5 , -3,0 , -10,0 , -20 kPa. In the case of impatiens the last water treatment was omitted. Plants were evaluated when they reach one ofthe three growth stages: lateral shoots development, visible flower buds (osteospermum) or beginning of flowering (impatiens) and at flowering. All plants produced with a moderate water deficit (irrigation at -3 and -10 kPa) were more compact than plants irrigated at -0,5 kPa but their flowering were not affected. Strong decrease in pIant growth and flowering was observed when plants were irrigated at the lowest water potential (-20 kPa). However, for impatiens the highest irrigation frequency was also not favorable. As a result of water stress the decrease in stomatal conductance (g~) in both plants was observed. Osteospermum was more resistant to water stress than impatiens.