K. Chartzoulakis et al., Changes in water relations, photosynthesis and leaf anatomy induced by intermittent drought in two olive cultivars, ENVIR EXP B, 42(2), 1999, pp. 113-120
Photosynthetic rate, water relations parameters as well as leaf anatomical
characteristics were studied in two olive cultivars (Olea europea, cv 'Koro
neiki' and cv 'Mastoidis') grown under water stress conditions. No signific
ant differences were obtained between the two cultivars concerning their ab
ility for turgor maintenance under water stress conditions. 'Koroneiki' see
ms to maintain higher photosynthetic rates with lower values of stomatal co
nductance than 'Mastoidis', a fact that could be attributed to differentiat
ion in leaf anatomy induced by water stress conditions. The fraction of mes
ophyll volume represented by intercellular air spaces as well as the surfac
e area of mesophyll cell walls exposed to intercellular spaces was larger i
n 'Koroneiki' than in 'Mastoidis'. The possibility of using leaf anatomical
characteristics as selection factors for olive cultivars grown under droug
ht conditions is discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V, All rights reser
ved.