Morphological Evaluation of Gallesia Integrifolia Seedlings Under Different Water Management Systems

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify the effects of water management during hardening on seedlings of Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng.) Harms, evaluating leaf temperature, morphometric variables, and their performance after hardening in sandy and clayey soil. Water regimes included irrigation for four weeks (daily, every two, three, and four days). Leaf temperature was recorded at the end of each irrigation cycle. Increases in height, root collar diameter, root dry mass, and aerial part dry mass were measured at the end of the hardening period. The seedlings irrigated every two and three days did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) from those irrigated daily. Irrigation every four days reduced the speed of aboveground growth and increased leaf temperature. The seedlings irrigated every three and four days were more resistant to water deficit than those from other treatments, showing severe symptoms of water deficit later.