Use of physiological parameters as fast tools to screen for drought tolerance in sugarcane: Drought is one of the major limitations to plant productivity worldwide. Identifying suitable screening tools and quantifiable traits would facilitate the crop improvement process for drought tolerance. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of four relatively physiological parameters (variable-to-maximum chlorophyll a fluorescence ratio, F v /F m ; estimated leaf chlorophyll content via SPAD index; leaf temperature, LT; and, leaf relative water content, RWC) to distinguish between drought tolerant and susceptible sugarcane genotypes subjected to a 90-d drought cycle. Eight field-grown genotypes were studied. By 45 d after the onset of treatments, the F v /F m , SPAD index and RWC of drought-stressed plants had declined significantly in all genotypes compared to values at the onset of well-watered treatments. However, the reductions were more severe in leaves of susceptible genotypes. Under drought stress, the tolerant genotypes as a group, maintained higher F v /F m (8%), SPAD index (15%), and RWC (16%) than susceptible genotypes. In general, LT of drought-stressed plants was higher (~4°C) than that of well-watered plants but the relative increase was greater among drought susceptible genotypes. Under drought stress, LT of tolerant genotypes was on average 2.2°C lower than that of susceptible genotypes. The results are consistent with the tolerantsusceptible classification of these genotypes and indicate that these tools can be reliable in screening for drought tolerance, with F v /F m , SPAD index and LT having the added advantage of being nondestructive and easily and quickly assessed. Key words: chlorophyll a fluorescence, relative water content, leaf temperature, Saccharum, water deficit Uso de parâmetros fisiológicos como ferramentas rápidas para selecionar tolerância à seca em cana-de-açúcar: A seca é uma das maiores limitações à produtividade das plantas em todo o mundo. Identificar ferramentas satisfatórias de seleção e características quantitativas facilitaria o processo de melhoramento de uma cultura para tolerância à seca. No presente estudo, foi avaliada a adequação de quatro parâmetros fisiológicos (razão entre fluorescências variável e máxima da clorofila a, F v /F m ; estimativa do conteúdo de clorofila na folha via o índice SPAD; temperatura da folha, TF; e conteúdo relativo de água na folha, CRA) para distinguir entre genótipos de cana-de-açúcar tolerantes e suscetíveis submetidos a um ciclo de 90 dias de déficit hídrico. Foram avaliados oito genótipos, cultivados sob condições de campo. Aos 45 dias após o estabelecimento dos tratamentos, F v /F m , índice SPAD e CRA das plantas sob estresse declinaram significativamente em todos os genótipos, comparados aos respectivos controles sob condições ideais de irrigação. Entretanto, as reduções foram mais severas nas folhas dos genótipos suscetíveis à seca. Sob estresse hídrico, o grupo dos genótipos tolerantes manteve maiores valores de F v /F m (8%), ...

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Daily variations in net gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence and water relations of mature, sun-acclimated grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfady.) and orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) leaves were determined in tree canopies either shaded with 50% shade screens or left unshaded (sunlit). Mean daily maximum photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) under shade varied from 500 to 700 micromol m-2 s-1 and was sufficient to achieve maximum net CO2 assimilation rates (A CO2). Responses of grapefruit and orange leaves to shading were remarkably similar. At midday, on bright clear days, the temperatures of sunlit leaves were 2-6 degrees C above air temperature and 1-4 degrees C above the temperatures of shaded leaves. Although midday depressions of stomatal conductance (gs) and A CO2 were observed in both sunlit and shaded leaves, shaded leaves had lower leaf-to-air vapor pressure differences (D) along with higher gs, A CO2 and leaf water-use efficiency than sunlit leaves. Estimated stomatal limitation to A CO2 was generally less than 25% and did not differ between shaded and sunlit leaves. Leaf intercellular CO2 partial pressure was not altered by shade treatment and did not change substantially with increasing D. Radiation and high temperature stress-induced non-stomatal limitation to A CO2 in sunlit leaves was greater than 40%. Reversible photoinhibition of photosystem II efficiency was more pronounced in sunlit than in shaded leaves. Thus, non-stomatal factors play a major role in regulating A CO2 of citrus leaves during radiation and high temperature stress.

Effects of foliar sprays of a kaolin clay particle film (Surround WP) on leaf temperature (Tlf), net gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and water relations of sun-exposed leaves on field-grown grapefruit trees (Citrus paradisi L.) were studied during Summer and Fall 2001. Trees were sprayed twice a week for 3 weeks with aqueous suspensions of kaolin (Surround) at 60 g·L-1. Physiological effects of kaolin application were most prominent around midday on warm sunny days than in mornings, evenings or cloudy days. Kaolin sprays increased leaf whiteness (62%), reduced midday leaf temperature (Tlf; ≈3 °C) and leaf to air vapor pressure differences (VPD; ≈20%) compared to water-sprayed control leaves. Midday reductions in Tlf and VPD were accompanied by increased stomatal conductance (gs) and net CO2 assimilation rates (ACO2) of kaolin sprayed leaves, suggesting that gs might have limited ACO2 in water-sprayed control leaves. Midday photoinhibition of photosynthesis was 30% lower in kaolin-sprayed leaves than in control leaves. Midday water use efficiency (WUE) of kaolin-sprayed leaves was 25% higher than that of control leaves. However, leaf transpiration and whole-tree water use were not affected by kaolin film sprays. Increased WUE was therefore, due to higher ACO2. Leaf intercellular CO2 partial pressures (Ci) were similar in control and kaolin-sprayed leaves indicating that stomatal conductance was not the major cause of reduced ACO2. These results demonstrate that kaolin sprays could potentially increase grapefruit leaf carbon uptake efficiency under high radiation and temperature stress.

Seed priming uses treatments to improve seed germination and thus potentially increase growth and yield. Low-cost, environmentally friendly, effective seed treatment remain to be optimized and tested for high-value specialty crop like watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in multi-locations. this remains a particularly acute problem for triploids, which produce desirable seedless watermelons, but show low germination rates. in the present study, turmeric oil nanoemulsions (tne) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from agro-industrial byproducts were used as nanopriming agents for diploid (Riverside) and triploid (Maxima) watermelon seeds. Internalization of nanomaterials was confirmed by neutron activation analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and gas chromatographymass spectrometry. The seedling emergence rate at 14 days after sowing was significantly higher in Agnp-treated triploid seeds compared to other treatments. Soluble sugar (glucose and fructose) contents were enhanced during germination in the AgNP-treated seeds at 96 h. Seedlings grown in the greenhouse were transplanted at four locations in texas: edinburg, pecos, Grapeland, and Snook in 2017. At Snook, higher yield 31.6% and 35.6% compared to control were observed in AgNPtreated Riverside and Maxima watermelons, respectively. To validate the first-year results, treated and untreated seeds of both cultivars were sown in Weslaco, Texas in 2018. While seed emegence and stand establishments were enhanced by seed priming, total phenolics radical-scavenging activities, and macro-and microelements in the watermelon fruits were not significantly different from the control. the results of the present study demonstracted that seed priming with Agnps can enhance seed germination, growth, and yield while maintaining fruit quality through an eco-friendly and sustainable nanotechnological approach.Rapid and uniform seed germination is important for adequate crop establishment to ensure economic sustainability and efficient use of production resources in commercial agriculture 1 . This situation is particularly evident in high-value specialty crops such as watermelons where demand and production of seedless (triploid) varieties has become very popular compared to traditional seeded (diploid) varieties 2 . However, seedless (triploid) varieties have several production limitations, including low seed germination rates compared with diploid varieties, and generally lower stand establishment rates as a result of seedling sensitivity to environmental stresses. Seed characteristics partly account for these limitations. Triploid watermelon seeds are smaller in size, which has been associated with a limited amount of reserves to support germination and seedling growth. Significantly smaller lipid bodies and lower starch levels have been reported in triploid compared to the diploid seeds and these observations were correlated with significantly lower average germination rates for triploid seeds 3,4 . Besides size, other seed characteristics such as their thick seed ...

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Correlations between extractable leaf chlorophyll (Chl) concentration and portable, nondestructive leaf “greenness” meter readings imply that such estimates can be used as surrogate measurements of leaf nitrogen (N) status. However, few studies have actually found a direct relationship between Chl meter readings and leaf N. We evaluated the utility of two handheld transmittance-based Chl content meters (SPAD-502, Minolta Corp. and CCM-200, Opti-Sciences) and one reflectance-based meter (Observer, Spectrum Technologies), in estimating Chl and N concentrations in intact leaves of several citrus cultivars. Total Chl determined analytically, correlated well with nondestructive Chl meter readings (r2: 0.72 to 0.97; P < 0.0001), but regression models differed among cultivars using the same meter and also among meters for a given cultivar. The relationships were generally more linear and stronger at low Chl concentrations (<0.5 mmol·m-2) than at higher Chl concentrations, reflecting increased variability in Chl meter readings with increasing leaf Chl. Significant relationships between Chl meter readings and measured leaf N concentrations were also found in all the cultivars tested (r2: 0.23 to 0.69; P < 0.01), but the data were more variable than those for Chl. Field-grown leaves were significantly thicker and had higher Chl meter readings than greenhouse-grown leaves of similar Chl or N concentrations. The results suggest that nondestructive Chl content meters can overestimate Chl and N in thicker leaves and/or leaves with high Chl concentrations. A single prediction equation derived from a wide range of Chl or N concentrations could be applicable across the range of citrus cultivars when grown in the same environment. Potential limitations associated with leaf thickness as influenced by environmental factors may necessitate the development of more specific calibration equations.

Water deficit is one of the major factors limiting the production of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). A study of the effects of limited water condition on yield components and their relationship with productivity can aid breeding programs in selecting for high yielding genotypes under this condition. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships among the parameters stalk number, stalk height, stalk diameter, and stalk weight with cane yield in sugarcane growing in a field under moderate water stress during its grand growth period, in order to provide information to help breeders in adopting traits for selecting drought tolerant varieties. Seventy-eight genotypes plus two controls, one drought-tolerant and one drought-susceptible, were grown under a moderate water deficit condition in the field in 2005/2006 at Weslaco, TX. Productivity and yield components were measured. Under stress, the tolerant control (TCP93-4245) showed higher productivity, stalk number, stalk height and stalk weight than the susceptible one (TCP87-3388). However, the susceptible control showed higher stalk diameter. Linear association was found between productivity and its yield components, but stalk diameter showed to be fairly unstable among genotypes. Stalk height showed significant correlation with stalk number, stalk diameter and stalk weight. Stalk diameter also showed positive correlation with stalk weight. Therefore, during the selection procedure, when one of these traits is enhanced by drought tolerance, the correlated trait should also increase, making it feasible to select genotypes with high productivity, stalk number, stalk height, and stalk weight under water deficit. Key words: Saccharum spp., biometric attributes, productivity, water stress, genotypes COMPONENTES DE PRODUÇÃO COMO INDICADORES DE TOLERÂNCIA À SECA EM CANA-DE-AÇÚCARRESUMO: A deficiência de água é um dos principais fatores que limitam a produção da cana-deaçúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.). Estudar os efeitos do estresse hídrico sobre os componentes de produção e sua relação com a produtividade pode ajudar os programas de melhoramento a selecionar genótipos produtivos sob essa condição. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as relações entre os caracteres número de colmos, altura de colmos, diâmetro de colmos e massa de colmos com a produtividade de cana-de-açúcar cultivada em uma área, sob deficiência moderada de água, durante o período de maior desenvolvimento, a fim de prover informações que auxiliem melhoristas na adoção de características para selecionar variedades tolerantes à seca. Foram cultivados 78 genótipos e dois padrões, um tolerante e outro sensível ao estresse hídrico, sob deficiência moderada de água em campo e durante o ano agrícola 2005/2006 em Weslaco, Texas, Estados Unidos. Produtividade e os componentes de produção foram avaliados. Sob estresse, o padrão tolerante (TCP93-4245) apresentou maior produtividade, número de colmos, altura de colmos e massa de colmos do que o padrão sensível (TCP87-3388). Entreta...