Guide for Authors

Bromeliad growers report severe leaf quality problems for Aechmea cultivars grown under commercial greenhouse conditions. In this research, a leaf damage ‘sensitive’ and ‘insensitive’ A. cultivar were compared for their C-metabolism and hydrophysiology under these greenhouse conditions. Stomata opening index indicated CAM (Crassulacean acid metabolism) for both cultivars, with 45–50% open stomata around 4:00 a.m. and 5–10% in the afternoon. Malic and citric acid were the major organic acids present in the leaves, with diurnal malic acid accumulation during the night. The leaf damage ‘sensitive’ cultivar showed higher malic acid accumulation than the ‘insensitive’ cultivar (200 μmol/gfw versus 170 μmol/gfw). Leaf osmotic potential and turgor pressure were linked with diurnal malic acid fluctuations: organic acid accumulation during the night generated high leaf turgor pressures (up to +0.86 MPa).A leaf damage sensitivity test was designed and confirmed previous experiences of several bromeliad growers. Both cultivars showed higher leaf damage percentages (98 and 78%) when leaf malic acid accumulation was high. We attribute this elevated sensitivity to lethal turgor pressures and consider them to be caused by the water capturing mechanism generated by high organic acid accumulation. Under current greenhouse conditions, this water capturing mechanism can be disastrous for plant leaf quality. Especially, under high relative humidity, hindering plant transpiration and stimulating water uptake by dew formation, leaf quality could be endangered.     

Changes in nutrient concentrations and leaf gas exchange parameters in banana plantlets under gradual soil moisture depletion

Changes in mineral nutrient concentration, growth, water status and gas exchange parameters were investigated in young banana plants (Musa acuminata cv. ‘Grand Nain’) subjected to gradual soil moisture diminution. Experiments were performed in glasshouse under controlled temperature, and water stress was imposed by ceasing irrigation for 62 days. The data showed a parallel decrease of leaf gas exchange parameters and soil moisture initiated few days after the imposition of water stress. However, the leaf relative water content (RWC) showed a minor decrease in response to drought. The onset of growth reduction evaluated as plant height, pseudostem circumference, number of newly emerged leaves, leaf area, and leaf and root biomass took place approximately between 34 and 40 days after the beginning of the stress period. In addition, drought did not modify nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in foliar and root tissues; however, it increased potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and chloride in leaves, and only calcium, sodium and chloride in roots. Collectively, the data reveal that banana plants show a drought avoidance mechanism in response to water stress. After a prolonged drought period, leaf RWC was hardly reduced, while gas exchange and growth parameters were reduced drastically. Increasing leaf mineral concentration could have help to maintain leaf RWC due to osmotic adjustment mechanism.     

早熟桃夏季红叶现象的生理机制研究

 为了揭示早熟桃夏季红叶现象的生理机制,以采果后叶色变红现象明显的‘早美’和‘春蕾’两个早熟桃品种为试材,分析夏季叶色转变过程中叶片色素和可溶性糖含量、花色素苷合成相关酶活性及净光合速率等生理指标的变化趋势。结果表明：早熟桃果实采收后叶片可溶性糖大量积累,二氢黄酮醇还原酶（DFR）等花色素苷合成相关酶活性的增加。叶片转色初期苯丙氨酸解氨酶（PAL）和查尔酮异构酶（CHI）活性变化较小,与叶片花色素苷含量相关性不显著;叶色转红之后PAL 和CHI 活性与叶片花色素苷含量显著正相关。     

Competition for water between inflorescences and leaves in cut flowering stems of Grevillea ‘Crimson Yul-lo’

Summary

Grevillea cv. ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ has large bright red terminal inflorescences on leafy stems and has recognised commercial potential as a cut flower crop. A major limitation is its relatively short vase-life, often terminated by early wilting of the inflorescence despite apparently turgid leaves. An investigation of the water relations of cut Grevillea ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ stems revealed that the water potential of inflorescences on intact stems in vases was significantly higher (i.e., less negative) than that of leaves from day-0 to day-3 of vase-life. Thereafter, the water potential of inflorescences declined more rapidly than that of leaves, accompanied by visible wilting of the tepals and styles of individual florets. Removal of leaves from the stems reduced both water uptake and water loss, and delayed the onset of a negative water balance in the inflorescence. Bagging of entire stems, leaves only, or inflorescences only, with micro-perforated plastic film to reduce transpiration, reducing leaf number to reduce leaf area, or supplying abscisic acid to reduce leaf stomatal aperture, all aided relative fresh weight retention by stems and extended vase-life. Four or six leaves on a stem caused greater loss in inflorescence water content than zero or two leaves. Considered collectively, these findings show that competition for water between the inflorescence and the leaves in cut Grevillea ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ stems contributes to the onset of inflorescence wilting and their short vase-life.     

Determining morphological and physiological parameters for the selection of drought-tolerant geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum L. H. Bailey)

Summary

Greenhouse experiments were carried out to study the effect of drought stress on morphological and physiological parameters of Pelargonium hortorum, to define the most sensitive indicators that could be used to evaluate genotypes for tolerance to water stress. Nine genotypes of P. hortorum and two genotypes of the parental species (P. inquinans L. and P. zonale L.) were examined. Drought stress was induced by withholding water until the soil water potential reached –80 kPa, followed by recovery and applying another drought stress cycle. Growth decreased with drought stress with regard to all parameters and all genotypes, compared to well-watered plants. Production and loss of leaves were sensitive indicators of drought stress to discriminate between genotypes. A classification of genotypes was obtained from these parameters. Changes in leaf area, the density of stomata (mm^–2 or per leaf), leaf water content and leaf cell osmolarity during the drought cycle and after recovery were also studied. Changes in stomata mm^–2, leaf surface and cell osmolarity were found to be sensitive indicators of drought stress. Correlations between different parameters made it possible to obtain a robust classification of genotypes using only a few parameters. Significant variation was found between genotypes of P. hortorum in their response to drought stress.The different mechanisms which can be used by tolerant genotypes to adapt to drought stress are discussed. The present study provides a simple method to evaluate and select for water stress-tolerance in P. hortorum genotypes.     

Detecting different levels of drought stress in apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) with selected biochemical and physiological parameters

Rational irrigation scheduling based on sensing drought stress directly in plants is becoming more important due to increasing worldwide scarcity of fresh water supplies. In order to evaluate a set of potential biochemical and physiological stress indicators and select the best drought stress markers in apple trees, two experiments with potted trees and an experiment with intensive orchard grown apple trees ‘Elstar’ and ‘Jonagold Wilmuta’ were conducted in early summer in tree following years. Biochemical parameters: ascorbic acid, glutathione, tocopherols, chlorophylls, carotenoids, free amino acids, soluble carbohydrates, and physiological parameters already known as stress indicators in apple trees: predawn and midday leaf water potential, net photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration (Tr) and intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci) were measured in leaves of apple trees subjected to different intensities of slowly progressing drought or no drought. Our study pointed out zeaxanthin and glutathione as the best drought stress markers in apple trees. Ascorbate and sorbitol appeared to be reliable indicators of moderate drought only. Responses of other tested biochemical parameters were not consistent enough to prove their role as drought stress markers in apple trees. Relative air humidity should be taken in consideration when physiological parameters g_s, Pn, Tr and Ci are used as drought stress markers in apple trees. Our study revealed that in situations where low relative air humidity affects g_s and with g_s connected physiological parameters, biochemical markers may be better tool for determination of drought stress intensities in apple trees.     

Prognosis and correction of iron chlorosis in peach trees and relationship between iron concentration and Brown Rot

This study investigates the possible correlations between bark, floral, and leaf iron (Fe) concentrations and SPAD measures to be used as early methods for prognosis of iron chlorosis in peach trees. The results showed that there were significant correlations between bark, floral and leaf Fe concentrations and SPAD measurements. This study shows for the first time the possibility of using bark analysis as an early predictive method of iron chlorosis in peach trees.Differences in mineral composition of leaves of peach trees, in relation to rootstocks were also found.This study also investigated the distribution of mineral elements in different parts of peach leaves. Tissue analysis of different leaf parts showed that the peripheral and petiole of leaves had the highest P, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, B and Cu concentrations. In contrast, the highest K concentration was found in the internal parts of leaves. High Mn concentration was found in the laminar of leaves, but was lower in the petioles.In other experiments, the effect of different sources of Fe application on the leaf Fe concentrations and development of Brown Rot in the year of application and one and 2 years later was also examined. No application increased significantly the leaf Fe concentrations in the year of application and 1 year later. Leaf Fe concentrations were significant higher in trees treated with FeSO₄·7H₂O + S 2 years after application.The possible effect of flesh Fe concentration to susceptibility of peach (cv. Sun Crest) to Monilinia laxa was also evaluated. The results showed no correlation between flesh Fe concentration and susceptibility of peach to M. laxa. Besides, no statistical difference was found in the susceptibility of peach to M. laxa collected from the cultivar Sun Crest grafted on different rootstocks.     

Effects of simulated acid rain on the foliage and fruit yield of Malm domestica Borkh.

The effects of rain acidity on field-grown apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Sum- merred) under natural conditions were investigated. One group of four trees was exposed to ambient rainfall. Four other groups were covered with rain-shields and for two growing seasons received simulated rain consisting of deionized water or an acid solution at pH 5.6,4.0 or 3.0 respectively. Simulated acid rain, particularly at pH 3.0, injured leaves and petals, reduced fruit production and impaired marketability. SEM examination showed that damage to the leaves (necrosis and lesions) was most extensive at the moment of full leaf expansion, whereas damage to the fruit (russeting and lesions into the mesocarp) was most severe when the fruit was almost fully ripe. The reduction in production was 19% with the pH 4.0 spray and 37% with the pH 3.0 spray (compared with rainfall-fruit). The acidity of the ambient rainfall encountered in this study caused spotting and necrosis of the leaves but did not significantly affect fruit production.     

Changes in chlorophyll,ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase,glycine betaine content,photosynthesis and transpiration in Amaranthus tricolor leaves during salt stress

Summary

We examined changes in leaf growth and chemical composition, including chlorophyll content, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (RuBisCO), and glycine betaine (GB) in relation to photosynthesis and transpiration responses to salt stress in Amaranthus tricolor leaves. To induce salt stress, plants were transferred to a growth medium containing 300 mM NaCl for 7 d followed by 7 d of relief from salinity. A decrease in leaf enlargement began 3 d after salt stress, and leaves subsequently showed the same degree of regrowth as controls after relief in non-salt medium. Chlorophyll content expressed on a leaf-area basis increased under conditions of salinity due to a reduction in leaf tissue water content. The decrease in chlorophyll content continued throughout the 7 d of relief from salinity. The RuBisCO and soluble protein contents when expressed on a leaf dry-weight basis decreased in response to salinity, and then gradually increased during the relief period. GB content increased slightly up to 3 d of salt stress, and showed typical accumulation during salt stress. GB content decreased sharply immediately after plants were transferred to non-stress medium, but remained at a higher level throughout the relief period. A decrease in photosynthetic activity and transpiration rate preceded any changes in leaf area, RuBisCO or GB content. During relief from salinity, photosynthesis and transpiration rates gradually recovered to control levels with restoration of stomatal conductance. The above findings suggest that the increase in GB content is important in adaptation to salt stress in Amaranthus plants, although photosynthesis and transpiration responses occurred immediately after salt-stress.     

Effects of shading on gas exchange,specific leaf weight and chlorophyll content in four kiwifruit cultivars under field conditions

Diurnal changes of incident photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), transpiration rate (E), photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Cs) and water use efficiency (WUE), together with a number of environmental factors, were measured on individual leaves at well exposed and shaded positions within the canopy for four cultivars of kiwifruit (Actinidia sinensis, P.). Pn and E rates were'much lower in the shaded leaves for all cultivars due to extremely low PPFD values reaching these leaves. Cs followed a trend similar to that for Pn. Exposed leaves showed a significantly higher WUE in the morning, while no difference was observed between exposed and shaded leaves around midday. Specific leaf weight (SLW) was lower in shaded leaves, which had a greater chlorophyll content than exposed leaves.     

Response to water stress of some oleander cultivars suitable for pot plant production

Oleander (Nerium oleander L.) is an evergreen shrub of great ornamental interest which, in recent times, has been increasingly used as a flowering pot plant. Plants grown in pots undergo more frequent water stress conditions than those grown in the soil, due to the limited volume of substrate available for the roots. Oleander is a species adaptable to dry conditions and able to survive long periods of drought. It is well known that under water stress conditions all plants reduce photosynthetic activity, resulting in reduced plant growth. In case of severe water stress, leaves undergo strong wilting and senescence resulting in the loss of ornamental value. In the present work, a study was conducted to evaluate the ecophysiological response to water stress in four oleander cultivars previously recognised (on the basis of traits such as size, habit, earliness, abundance and duration of flowering, aptitude for cutting propagation and rapidity of growth) as suitable for pot plant production. Our data confirm the high drought tolerance of oleander. In the studied cultivars, plants submitted to water stress showed only minor variations in leaf gas exchange parameters [transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (g_s) and CO₂ net assimilation (A)] for at least 10 days without a change in leaf water content [assessed as relative water content (RWC)] for 22 days from the beginning of the stress treatment. During this period, non-irrigated plants maintained the same water status as control plants and were visually undistinguishable from them. Moreover, plants survived without water supply for one month. Following the supply of water again, they were able to restore RWC, gas exchange parameters and instantaneous water use efficiency [A/E ratio (WUE_inst)] to the values of control plants. Furthermore, if at the end of the stress period plants appeared withered and were pale green in colour, they regained their normal appearance after they were irrigated again. Although the four studied cultivars showed some minor differences in leaf gas exchange parameters and in the manner in which the latter parameters changed after irrigation was stopped, the response to water stress was essentially the same. Therefore, as far as drought tolerance is concerned, all these cultivars have a good aptitude for use as flowering pot plants.     

Leaf gas exchange and fruit yield in sweet orange trees as affected by citrus variegated chlorosis and environmental conditions

Citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) is a disease caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. The most productive areas for citrus in Brazil are the northwestern and the northern regions of the São Paulo state, where CVC incidence is more severe. Additionally, these areas have the highest temperatures as well as significant vapor pressure deficits (VPD) and seasonal droughts. Environmental stresses are known to affect CVC-infected plants under semi-controlled conditions, but it is unclear whether similar effects occur in the field. The objective of this work was to evaluate the CVC leaf symptoms and environmental influences on fruit yield and size, and physiological parameters of healthy and CVC-affected plants (including both non-symptomatic and symptomatic leaves) in the morning and afternoon during the wet and dry seasons of 2003 in the southern, central and northern regions of the São Paulo state, Brazil. Increased VPD caused the stomatal conductance (gs) and CO₂ assimilation rates (A) to drop in healthy plants, but diseased plants had low VPD influences on gs, especially closer to the northern region and in leaves that were more symptomatic, confirming that diseased plants do not respond to changes in environmental VPD, corroborating several results reported in the literature. Although symptomatic northern leaves exhibited low stomatal apertures, the northern region had the highest air temperatures and VPDs, increasing the water loss in these plants, suggesting that towards the northern region plants face greater atmospheric and soil water stress. The fruit size of diseased plants diminished towards the north, while the fruit size of healthy plants must have been influenced by the tree fruit load. We suggest that CVC-affected plants suffer greater physiological damage if grown under environmental constraint, such as that found in the northern region of the São Paulo state.     

Differential flood stress resistance of two almond cultivar* based on survival,growth and water relations as stress indicators

SUMMARY

Potted almond trees (Amygdalus communis L.) of the two cvs Ramillete and Garrigues were submitted to two treatments: non-flooded (control) and flooded for 7 d in June 1991 under field conditions. After being submerged for one week, the almond trees were removed from the water (recovery period). The effects of flooding on the growth, stomatal behaviour, leaf water potential, osmotic potential and turgor potential were examined through the experimental period. Flooding caused a reduction in root dry weight of 'Ramillete', wilting, chlorosis and necrosis of the leaves, and plant death. Epinasty occurred in treated trees, but it appeared sooner in 'Garrigues' than in 'Ramillete'. Garrigues presented the lower resistance of plant plus soil (R(p+S)) for both treatments. After the flooding period, a progressive reduction of R(p+S) values was noted in 'Garrigues'. The decrease in leaf water potential by flooding in both cultivars can be related to an increase in the resistance to water uptake. Leaf osmotic and turgor potential behaviour confirm the progressive dehydration of leaf tissues. The continous decrease in v|/" \ys and values in 'Ramillete' indicated that the severity of the damage induced by flooding stress was irreversible in this cultivar. The reduction in leaf conductance (g,) can be related to the leaf water deficit by effects of flooding, the recovery of g, for 'Garrigues' occurred 20 d after leaf water potential. The differences between the cultivars suggest that they differ in their ability to withstand flood conditions and their association is not desirable in poorly drained soils.     

Differentiation of the dynamic variables affecting rooting ability in juvenile and mature cuttings of cherry (Prunus avium)

Summary

The rooting potential of four types or origins of Prunus avium cuttings from the same mature trees (over 20 years-old) was compared using a mist propagation bed during early Summer (June). The cuttings originated from juvenile sucker shoots of the current and previous year, and mature crown shoots (current year’s lateral ‘long-shoots’ and multi-year terminal ‘short shoots’). The morphological differences in inter-node length, stem diameter and leaf area between the four cutting types were highly significant (P = 0.05), leading to large differences in cutting volume and, so it is argued, to assimilate reserves. Juvenile cuttings rooted well (65% and 77% rooting for hardwood and softwood shoots, respectively), while mature cuttings rooted poorly (4% and 7% for mature hardwood and softwood cuttings, respectively). Leaf abscission was significantly more frequent in mature hardwood cuttings (16 – 78%) than in the other cutting types (1.6 – 9%) at the end of the propagation period. Leaf loss resulted from two processes: abscission and leaf rotting. Physiologically (i.e., in carbon assimilation, leaf transpiration and stomatal conductance), the four cutting types were not significantly different early in the post-severance period (day-4); but, by day-22, stomatal conductance was lowest in mature hardwood cuttings that still had leaves. At this time, the most physiologically-active unrooted cuttings were from juvenile hardwood and mature softwood shoots. The extent of physiological and morphological variability between cutting types and their probable impact on processes affecting rooting ability is complex and highly interactive. Consequently, it is not possible to explain the causes of the variation in rooting ability between juvenile and mature cuttings, although this study suggests that the constraints to rooting are likely to reflect physiological differences between the different cutting types. It is concluded that, to resolve the debate about factors that affect the rooting ability of juvenile and mature cuttings (i.e., ontogenetic vs. physiological ageing), there is a need to achieve morphological and physiological comparability in the tissues.     

榛子果实不同生育期叶片含水量光谱反演

以平欧杂种榛为研究对象,分析不同水分梯度条件下榛子果实不同生育期叶片光谱特征,采用Person相关分析筛选出榛子叶片含水量有效光谱特征参量,并以此为自变量构建榛子叶片含量一次函数、三次函数回归关系,对拟合度较高的模型进行精度分析,以确定适合榛子叶片含水量光谱反演模型,构建了榛子叶片含水量光谱反演模型,以期实现大田生产园中榛子树体水分含量的精准管理。结果表明:榛子叶片光谱反射率在可见光波段随含水量增加而降低,在近红外波段则随叶片含水量增加而增加。果实坐果期、速生生长期、脂化期和成熟期叶片含水量与水分指数WI、归一化水分指数NDVI、比值指数WI/NDVI、水分波段指数WBI、中心波长比值指数Ratio₉₇₅、光化/生理反射指数PRI均达极显著相关。分别以相关性最强的有效光谱特征参量WI/NDVI、WI/NDVI、WI和WBI构建果实4个生育时期的树体含水量的三次函数估算模型具有较高精度。以上结果表明利用光谱反演模型监测榛子树体含水量是可行的。     

纽荷尔脐橙果实对源叶光合作用的影响

在纽荷尔脐橙果实膨大期,选取1年生双果枝、单果枝和营养枝,晴天测定源叶净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Cond)、蒸腾速率(Trmmol)、胞间CO2浓度(Ci)和叶面温度(Tleaf)等生理指标,探讨挂果对源叶光合特性的影响。结果表明,挂果水平对源叶Pn、Cond、Trmmol有显著影响,对Ci和Tleaf无明显影响;上午以挂果多的枝条的源叶Pn、Cond、Trmmol峰值更低,下午则呈相反的趋势。不论枝条挂果多少,源叶Pn日变化呈典型的"双峰"曲线;Pn与Tleaf呈抛物线相关,当叶温达36℃左右时叶片光合作用最强。     

核桃果实发育初期的水分状况

对在不同土壤水分条件下核桃枝条、叶片和果实水分含量动态与生长发育关系的研究结果表明,土壤供水不足时,树体水分亏缺,影响枝条生长和果实发育,降低坐果率.对有关水分生理指标测试表明,不同品种核桃叶水势(φW)日变化虽有差别,但相似,呈双峰型,叶φw愈低,晚上回升愈缓慢.叶φw日变化还受枝条上着生果实的影响,未着生果实枝条叶φw高于有果枝的.叶φw降低抑制光合产物的形成和累积.核桃蒸腾作用的日变化也呈双峰曲线,并与环境因子有密切关系.叶组织水分亏缺时,抗脱水能力强,具有一定的抗旱性能,晚熟品种优于早熟品种.     

观赏乌桕新品种‘红紫佳人’

‘红紫佳人’是从乌桕（Triadica sebifera）观赏优株无性系中选育得到的新品种。一年生嫩枝黄绿色，夏梢叶片数量多，树冠浓密，一般在10月25日前进入叶片变色期，叶表面颜色由绿色变为紫红色后再变为红色（RHS Red 46A）直至落叶，观赏期长达30 d左右。适宜在北亚热带季风气候区栽培。     

青花菜新品种‘台绿2号’

青花菜‘台绿2号’为杂交一代新品种。生长势较强,植株半直立,叶片长椭圆形,叶色深绿,蜡粉中等,花球紧实,球形高圆,球面圆整,蕾粒中细,单球质量0.5 kg,产量约20 000 kg · hm-2,早熟,从定植到采收65 ~ 70 d,保鲜和速冻加工兼用。适合长江流域秋冬季及北方夏秋季种植。     

Photosynthetic characteristics of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum cv. Bluecrop) leaves in response to water stress and subsequent re-irrigation

SUMMARY

Gas exchange and photosystem II (PSII) activities in the leaves of 2-year-old ‘Bluecrop’ highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) were monitored during water stress and subsequent re-irrigation to investigate the effects of the intensity of water stress on changes in photosynthetic characteristics. The blueberry shrubs were not irrigated for 3 to 5 weeks, then re-irrigated daily up to 8 weeks. The decrease in soil water potential during water stress caused a progressive decrease in leaf water potential. Soil water potentials decreased to -0.26 MPa and -0.34 MPa at 3 and 5 weeks, respectively, following water stress, but recovered following subsequent re-irrigation, while the soil water potential in daily-irrigated shrubs was maintained at over -0.13 MPa throughout the experiment. Chlorophyll concentrations decreased with an increasing duration of water stress. Chlorophyll concentrations in leaves on shrubs subjected to water stress for 5 weeks did not recover following re-irrigation, unlike those subjected to water stress for 3 weeks. The leaves on shrubs subjected to water stress for 5 weeks maintained lower levels of chlorophyll during reirrigation. The net rate of CO₂ assimilation (A_n) decreased significantly with an increasing duration of water stress. Reirrigation reversed the decrease in A_n in leaves on shrubs subjected to water stress for 3 weeks. Stomatal conductance (g_s) exhibited a similar pattern to A_n. The actual quantum yield of photosystem II (Φ_PSII) and the electron transport rate (ETR) also decreased significantly with an increasing duration of water stress, although the F_v/F_m ratio was not affected. Φ_PPSII and ETR values in the leaves on shrubs subjected to water stress for 5 weeks did not recover after reirrigation, unlike those subjected to water stress for 3 weeks. Non-photochemical quenching increased with an increasing duration of water stress, but subsequent re-irrigation did not reverse the increase. These results indicate that the timing of re-irrigation of water-stressed ‘Bluecrop’ highbush blueberry is critical in order to maintain their photosynthetic capacity. Among the photosynthetic characteristics measured, Φ_PSII and ETR could be used as sensitive indicators to assess the physiological status of leaves of ‘Bluecrop’ highbush blueberry growing under water stress conditions.