PHYSIOLOGICAL-RESPONSE OF POTATO PLANTS TO SOIL-SALINITY AND WATER-DEFICIT

The physiological response of potatoes as affected by salinity or wate r deficit was investigated. Leaf water and osmotic potentials declined significantly as stress conditions intensified. However, a positive t urgor was maintained throughout the entire growth period. This resulte d from the fact that plants adjusted osmotically. Under salinity, it w as mainly achieved by the accumulation of chloride and proline, while under water deficit it probably occurred by altering cell wall elastic ity or cell size. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights re served.