Photosynthesis, photochemical efficiency and growth of west indian cherry cultivated with saline waters and nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

In the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil, water salinity is one of the main abiotic factors limiting crop growth and development. However, given the water scarcity affecting this region, the use of waters with moderate to high salt contents becomes necessary to irrigate crops. Thus, generating technologies that enable the use of saline waters is an essential alternative to the agricultural development of this region. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate photosynthesis, photochemical efficiency and growth of West Indian cherry, as a function of irrigation with saline waters and nitrogen (N) fertilization, in the post-grafting stage. The experiment was carried out in drainage lysimeters under greenhouse conditions, using a typic eutrophic Regolithic Neosol with sandy loam texture, in the municipality of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil. Treatments consisted of the combination between five levels of electrical conductivity of water - ECw (0.8; 1.6; 2.4; 3.2 and 4.0 dS m^-1) and four N doses - ND (50; 75; 100 and 125 g of N plant^-1 per year), arranged in a randomized block design, with 3 replicates. Gas exchanges, chlorophyll a fluorescence and growth of West Indian cherry were compromised by saline water irrigation, regardless of N dose. Irrigation with ECw higher than 0.8 dS m^-1 caused damages to the photosystem II reaction centers of West Indian cherry. Nitrogen doses did not mitigate the deleterious effects caused by irrigation water salinity on photosynthesis, photochemical efficiency and growth of West Indian cherry.