Hydric-stress Tolerance in Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal)

Abstract

Aims:The present work aims to assess hydric stress tolerance in cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum). Study Design: Four cocona genotypes were planted in completely randomized blocks design with three replicates. Each replicate was irrigated with different water volumes, tantamount to 50, 100 and 150% of evapotranspiration (ET) respectively. Methodology: The fruits were harvested each 15 days by three months. The assessed characters were plant stand, stem diameter, plant height, fruit yield, number of fruits per plant; fruit mass, length, diameter and length/diameter ratio. Results: Irrigation treatments, both 50 and 150% ET, reduced height plant, fruit mass and length. Other characters were no affected by the hydric stress. Conclusion: Cocona is tolerant to both hydric stress, being the major hydric stress effect fruit size and mass decreasing. Other studies must to be performed to determinate the hydric stress threshold which lead to decrease fruit yield and dead plant.