Page 157 - FRUTAS DEL TRÓPICO

intRoduction to teRminology and techniques foR studying enviRonmental
physiology of subtRopical and tRopical fRuit cRops 157

exchange or water relations, the concepts apply to all potential abiotic and biotic stresses. For
example, leaf gas exchange is often used as an indicator of stress to tropical fruit crops resul-

ting from insects, diseases or climatic variables. Likewise, stem water potential is often used to

gauge the impact of various stresses to plant water status. The relationship among the various

physiological responses such as net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, stem water poten-

tial, etc. and how each of these respond and interact as a result of stress can tell us a lot about

the mechanisms of plant responses. Also, it is often necessary to measure molecular, cellular

or biochemical responses in addition to whole-plant physiological responses to understand the

underlying mechanisms of the plant’s response to a particular situation. From a practical stand

point, the ultimate goal of environmental physiology of subtropical and tropical fruit crops is to
identify stress responses so that strategies for overcoming these stresses can be devised.

Literature cited
Al-Yahyai, R., B. Schaffer and F.S. Davies. 2005. Physiological responses of carambola trees to soil water depletion. HortScience

40:2145-2150.
Farquhar, G. and T.D. Sharkey. 1982. Stomatal conductance and photosynthesis. Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. 33:317-346.
Ojeda, M.G., B. Schaffer and F.S. Davies. 2004. Flooding, root temperature, physiology, and growth of two Annona species.
Tree Physiology 24:1019-1025.

Schaffer, B., A.W. Whiley, C. Searle and R.J. Nissen. 1997. Leaf gas exchange, mineral element concentration and dry matter
partitioning in mango (Mangifera indica L.) as influenced by elevated atmospheric CO and root restriction. Journal of
2
the American Society for Horticultural Science 122:849-855.
Whiley, A.W. 1994. Ecophysiological studies and tree manipulation for maximization of yield potential in avocado (Persea ame-

ricana Mill.). Ph.D. Dis., Univ. Natal, South Africa.

Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas