Photosynthesis Performance And Leaf Water Potential Impairments Of Tahiti Lime Affected By Wood Pocket

The progressive death of Tahiti lime trees in productive stage was occasioned for la physiopaty Wood pocket (WP) observed in the production region of north-central Tolima (Colombia) in 2012, which led to significant detriment in fruit production of 79.98% with respect to the year 2011. The presence and level of damage caused by WP has been associated with dry warm climate conditions related mainly to high temperatures, a similar condition that occurred in this producing area. Little is known about the causes of decreased foliar gas exchange and leaf water potential in plants affected by WP; hence, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between physiological parameters (leaf water potential and foliar gas exchange) of Tahiti lima plants with symptoms of WP, and hydrodynamic and humidity conditions of soil in the area. The evaluation was performed in a commercial plantation of Lima Tahiti located in the municipality of Flandes. The values in photosynthetic parameters and leaf water potential, even in healthy plants, were lower than those reported for this species and the presence of WP decreases in greater proportion. The results indicated that the hydrodynamic properties, low availability of water in the soil and weather conditions contribute to the development of WP. We hypothesized that the constant water deficit and high temperatures cause rupture of tracheids and cavitation in the xylem, deteriorating the vascular system causing the death of wood or WP.