Changes in Vapour Pressure Deficit and Air-To-Leaf Temperature Difference Due to the Effects of Watering Frequency and Seasonal Variation-Induced Adaptive Responses in <i>Balanites aegyptiaca</i> in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study examines intraspecific variability among three sources (KSA, SD5.1 and SD6.2) of Balanites aegyptiaca in Saudi Arabia in their response to different watering frequencies and seasonal changes in vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and air-to-leaf temperature difference (T) under field condition. Irrigation was done once a week, once every two weeks or once every three weeks. Traits measured include: tree height, diameter (DM), relative monthly height (RMHI) and diameter (RMDI) increments, stomatal resistance (Rs), specific leaf weight (SLW). VPD and T were measured during the same time of Rs and SLW measurements. Both Rs and SLW directly responded to irrigation treatment and seasonal variation in T and VPD. Interactive effects of hot weather and water stress increased leaf temperature, resulting in less T and more VPD that induced higher Rs and SLW values. SD5.1 accounted for better responses under water stress, due to its higher Rs and SLW in the same time maintained better growth. DM and RMDI were more responsive to watering stress and varied among the sources. Early seedlings root-toshoot ratio was associated with better growth performance later in the field. The results highlight the role of hot weather and water stress in producing large changes in T and VPD that have a major impact on Rs and SLW. In addition, there is large intraspecific variation in field growth and adaptive responses among seeds brought from different provenances.

Morphological and biochemical responses of Balanites aegyptiaca to drought stress and recovery are provenance‐dependent

“…Elfeel and Abohassan () reported that seedlings of B. aegyptiaca collected from three different sources showed significant variation in the response to severe water deficit . B. aegyptiaca provenances showed considerable intraspecific variation in the adaptive response to water deficit (Elfeel, ). Also, B. aegyptiaca plants from the same provenances revealed low variability of peroxidase isozyme expression compared to the plants from different provenances (Chamberlain, ).…”

Valorization of Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruits by Production of Bioethanol: Study and Optimization

“…Balanites aegyptiaca is found in valleys, oases and mountainous areas, at an altitude that can reach 1000 m, and on sea coasts. This tree, which is not very demanding with regard to the nature of the soil; can grow on sandy, stony and clay soils (Elfeel, 2017;Ahmed et al, 2020). Its drupaceous fruits are rich in carbohydrates and the almond of the fruit is rich in edible oil.…”

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant Activity and Ethnobotanical Uses of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. Fruits from the Arid Zone of Mauritania, Northwest Africa

“…Balanites aegyptiaca, known in Mauritania as Teichot, tolerates drought and salinity, and thrives on a wide variety of soil types [6][7][8]. The tree is highly appreciated throughout Sahelian and Saharan regions for its woods (suitable for cooking), edible fruits (sweety mesocarp and nutritive kernel oil), animal feed value, shade and shelter and numerous ethnomedicinal uses [7,[9][10][11][12].…”