Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muziri Mugwanya, Fahad Kimera, Anwar Abdelnaser, Hani Sewilam
Summary: This study investigated the influence of the exogenous application of salicylic acid alone or in combination with glycine betaine on the growth, yield quality, and water-use efficiency of onions under different deficit drip irrigation treatments. The results showed that onions could tolerate moderate water stress and the application of salicylic acid improved plant growth and yield.
Article
Agronomy
Wael M. Semida, Taia A. Abd El-Mageed, Abdelsattar Abdelkhalik, Khaulood A. Hemida, Hamdi A. Abdurrahman, Saad M. Howladar, Ahmed A. A. Leilah, Mohamed O. A. Rady
Summary: The study indicates that Se plays a crucial role in alleviating the negative impact of salinity on plants, with foliar application of Se enhancing growth characteristics and antioxidant activity, resulting in improved photosynthetic efficiency and bulb yield under salt stress conditions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Omnia El Bergui, Aziz Abouabdillah, Mohamed Bourioug, Dominik Schmitz, Markus Biel, Abdellah Aboudrare, Manuel Krauss, Ahlem Jomaa, Sebastian Romuli, Joachim Mueller, Mustapha Fagroud, Rachid Bouabid
Summary: Water scarcity has become a major issue in Morocco and other Mediterranean countries, especially in 2022. This study evaluated the use of hydrogels in onion cultivation in Meknes, Morocco, and found that the type and dose of hydrogel, as well as the level of water supply, significantly affected plant growth. The results showed that Huminsorb((R)) Polyacrylate produced the best outcomes, increasing yield by 11 t/ha compared to the control treatment without hydrogel. Furthermore, combining hydrogel application with 50% water stress saved 208 mm of water while producing similar yields to the control treatment.
Article
Plant Sciences
Kun Hao, Xiaogang Liu, Xiukang Wang, Liangjun Fei, Lihua Liu, Feilong Jie, Yilin Li, Qiliang Yang, Yunhui Shan
Summary: Reasonable water and light management technology has a positive impact on the economic benefits, coffee yield, and quality. The study found that the shade cultivation treatments had significant effects on growth, crop yield, photosynthetic characteristics, and nutritional quality. A specific management method was identified to achieve the best coffee quality in a subtropical monsoon climate region.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Muziri Mugwanya, Fahad Kimera, Mahmoud Dawood, Hani Sewilam
Summary: This study investigated the effects of foliar applications of different concentrations of salicylic acid and proline on cucumber crops grown under saline conditions. The results showed that foliar application of salicylic acid alone or in combination with proline improved the growth and yield of cucumber under non-saline conditions. However, irrigating plants with saline water severely compromised cucumber's growth performance and yield, but slight amelioration was observed at lower salinity levels with the foliar spray treatments.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Daniela Cea, Claudia Bonomelli, Johanna Martiz, Pilar M. Gil
Summary: This study evaluated the physiological and growth responses of potted mandarin plants to the application of polyacrylamide gel in water restriction conditions. The results showed that although the substrate moisture was higher in the treatment with polyacrylamide gel, it did not improve the plant's water status or growth. On the contrary, plants treated with polyacrylamide gel had lower biomass and poorer root conditions.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Qian Li, Yan Chen, Shikun Sun, Muyuan Zhu, Jing Xue, Zihan Gao, Jinfeng Zhao, Yihe Tang
Summary: Increasing water consumption in agriculture due to global climate change poses challenges to food security. Improving water production efficiency is crucial for sustainable agricultural development. Deficit irrigation reduces crop yield but increases water use efficiency. However, its effectiveness varies across regions and hydrological years.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Muhammad Hamzah Saleem, Xiukang Wang, Abida Parveen, Shagufta Perveen, Saqib Mehmood, Sajid Fiaz, Sajjad Ali, Sajjad Hussain, Muhammad Adnan, Naeem Iqbal, Aishah Alatawi, Shafaqat Ali
Summary: The growth and productivity of plants can be improved by using thiourea (TU) under stressful conditions. This study found that TU can mitigate the detrimental effects of drought stress on potato plants, increasing yield and chlorophyll pigments while reducing oxidative stress and enhancing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sajid Hanif, Muhammad Farrukh Saleem, Muhammad Sarwar, Muhammad Irshad, Abdul Shakoor, Muhammad Ashfaq Wahid, Haroon Zaman Khan
Summary: Abiotic stresses, particularly heat and drought, significantly reduce rice yield. Proline, a multifunctional amino acid, can alleviate these stresses by improving antioxidant activities and chlorophyll content. Foliar application of proline enhances the activity of enzymes and proteins, leading to improved plant yield under stress conditions.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chenli Zhou, Hengjia Zhang, Fuqiang Li, Zeyi Wang, Yucai Wang
Summary: Water resource scarcity limits agricultural development in Northwest China. Regulated deficit irrigation can improve water use efficiency. The application of mild deficit during the vegetative growth stage has minimal impact on yield and water use efficiency of woad.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinyu He, Bo Ma, Juncang Tian
Summary: This study determined the Water Production Function and Optimal Irrigation Schedule for rice cultivated with drip irrigation under plastic film. The results showed that different irrigation treatments had significant effects on rice growth, yield, and quality. The lower the irrigation water applied, the higher the Irrigation Water Use Efficiency values were. The study provides a theoretical basis for rice cultivation under drip irrigation in arid regions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Abd El-Aty Ibrahim, Taia Abd El Mageed, Yasmin Abohamid, Hanan Abdallah, Mohamed El-Saadony, Synan AbuQamar, Khaled El-Tarabily, Nasr Abdou
Summary: The exogenous application of osmoprotectants, such as proline, is an important method for mitigating the negative effects of abiotic stresses on plants. This study conducted field trials to investigate the effects of deficit irrigation and the exogenous application of proline on maize productivity and yield under different irrigation systems. The results showed that the drip irrigation system improved crop growth and yield while reducing water input. The application of proline significantly enhanced plant growth and yield, particularly at moderate irrigation levels.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Xuanyue Tong, Pute Wu, Xufei Liu, Lin Zhang, Wei Zhou, Zhaoguo Wang
Summary: Deficit irrigation reduces fruit yield but increases water use efficiency in fruit trees, suitable for drought-tolerant varieties in arid regions.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
You Wu, Shicheng Yan, Junliang Fan, Fucang Zhang, Wenju Zhao, Jing Zheng, Jinjin Guo, Youzhen Xiang, Lifeng Wu
Summary: The over-application of irrigation and chemical fertilization in the greenhouse vegetable production system in China can have negative impacts on fruit quality, economic profit, and resource utilization. This study investigated the effects of different irrigation levels and fertilization practices on tomato yield, fruit quality, economic benefit, water use efficiency, and nitrogen use efficiency. The results showed that the combination of both soluble organic and chemical fertilizers for topdressing obtained the highest plant nitrogen uptake, net profit, and water use efficiency, and significantly improved tomato yield. The addition of organic fertilizers also reduced nitrate content in tomato fruits. Deficit irrigation promoted a higher water use efficiency compared to conventional fertilization practice. According to the principal component analysis, the fertilization practice with soluble organic and chemical fertilizers was ranked first regardless of irrigation levels and growing seasons.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Junxiao Zhang, Qianqing Wang, Guimin Xia, Qi Wu, Daocai Chi
Summary: The study indicates that moderate continuous regulated deficit irrigation (CRDI) can significantly improve the water use efficiency and drought resistance of peanuts, with minimal impact on yield, which is beneficial for the sustainable development of the peanut industry.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eman A. Ahmed, Tahsin Shoala, Abdelsattar Abdelkhalik, Hoda A. S. El-Garhy, Ismail A. Ismail, Amro A. Farrag
Summary: This study investigated the use of nanoparticles as novel antimicrobial agents to induce resistance against phytoplasma disease in faba bean. The results showed that the foliar application of nanoparticles effectively suppressed phytoplasma infection and promoted plant growth and yield recovery.
Article
Plant Sciences
Taia A. Abd El-Mageed, Mohammed A. H. Gyushi, Khaulood A. Hemida, Mohamed T. El-Saadony, Shimaa A. Abd El-Mageed, Hanan Abdalla, Synan F. AbuQamar, Khaled A. El-Tarabily, Abdelsattar Abdelkhalik
Summary: The application of bio- and nanofertilizers can enhance sweet potato plants' tolerance to salt stress, improve growth and yield, nutrient acquisition, and physiological-biochemical attributes, showing potential for future use in attenuating salt-induced damage and promoting crop performance.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed S. Abdelbaky, Taia A. Abd El-Mageed, Ahmad O. Babalghith, Samy Selim, Abir M. H. A. Mohamed
Summary: In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous leaf extract of Pelargonium odoratissimum as a reducing agent. The biosynthesized nanoparticles exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities, making them potential candidates for applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.
Article
Plant Sciences
Abdelsattar Abdelkhalik, Taia A. Abd El-Mageed, Ibrahim A. A. Mohamed, Wael M. Semida, Omar A. A. I. Al-Elwany, Ibrahim M. Ibrahim, Khaulood A. Hemida, Mohamed T. El-Saadony, Synan F. AbuQamar, Khaled A. El-Tarabily, Mohammed A. H. Gyushi
Summary: The study investigated the combined application of effective microorganisms (EMs) and nitrogen (N) on the growth and physiological attributes of hot pepper plants under saline soil conditions. The results showed that the co-application of EMs and high N levels mitigated the salt-induced damages to hot pepper plants and enhanced fruit yield. Additionally, it increased the accumulation of capsaicin, protein, proline, total soluble sugars, and improved the antioxidant defense system, nutrient acquisition, and anatomical structures.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Taia A. Abd El Mageed, Wael Semida, Khoulood A. Hemida, Mohammed A. H. Gyushi, Mostafa M. Rady, Abdelsattar Abdelkhalik, Othmane Merah, Marian Brestic, Heba I. Mohamed, Ayman El Sabagh, Magdi T. Abdelhamid
Summary: Globally, salinity and drought are serious threats to vegetable production. This study examines the potential of exogenously applied glutathione (GSH) in relieving water deficits in Phaseolus vulgaris plants grown in saline soil conditions. The results show that foliar spraying of GSH significantly reduces the negative effects of drought on bean plants, improving growth, membrane stability, water status, osmolytes, and antioxidant capacity. In addition, the combination of GSH application with reduced irrigation rates enhances irrigation use efficiency. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of exogenous GSH in alleviating water deficit in bean plants cultivated in salty soil.
Article
Agronomy
Khaled M. A. Ramadan, Hossam S. El-Beltagi, Taia A. Abd El-Mageed, Hani S. Saudy, Hala Hazam Al-Otaibi, Mohamed A. A. Mahmoud
Summary: Implementing deficit irrigation has become a major strategy in crop production, but it can lead to changes in plant physiology and decreased productivity. This study aimed to assess the effects of humic acid and cytokinin on faba bean under water deficit. The results showed that the combination of H-10 and C-25 improved faba bean growth and increased physiological traits under low water supply. The application of H-10 and C-25 also achieved nutrient homeostasis in faba bean under water deficit.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mostafa M. Rady, Khalid S. Alshallash, El-Sayed M. Desoky, Hanan A. A. Taie, Ibrahim A. A. Mohamed, Ali M. El-Badri, Saad M. Howladar, Abdelsattar Abdelkhalik
Summary: Human activities increase cadmium concentration in the environment, harming plants and human health. Trans-zeatin-type cytokinin and silymarin act as anti-heavy metal agents, alleviating cadmium damage to plants. Treating chili pepper plants with trans-zeatin and silymarin effectively reduces cadmium levels, improves biomass production and photosynthetic efficiency, and enhances antioxidative defense system.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH ON MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mostafa M. Rady, Hesham F. Alharby, El-Sayed M. Desoky, Ahmed R. M. Maray, Ibrahim A. A. Mohamed, Saad M. Howladar, Yasmine H. Abd Elmohsen, Ahmad Faraz, Shafaqat Ali, Abdelsattar AbdelKhalik
Summary: Lemon juice solution (LJS) and citric acid (CiA) can be used as novel phyto-catalysts to alleviate the damage caused by cadmium stress on Phaseolus vulgaris seedlings. Priming seeds in LJS or CiA improves seed germination, root activity, relative water content, membrane stability, chlorophyll content, carotenoids content, and Photosystem II efficiency, while reducing Cd translocation factor and Cd content in roots and shoots. These improvements are associated with increased levels of osmo-regulators, antioxidants, and enzyme-related genes expression.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed S. Abdelbaky, Mohamed A. Tammam, Mohamed Yassin Ali, Marwa Sharaky, Khaled Selim, Wael M. Semida, Taia A. Abd El-Mageed, Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan, Hesham F. Oraby, Yasser M. Diab
Summary: This study investigated the effect of different date palm fruit extracts on phytochemical profiles and antioxidant and anticancer activities. The results showed that certain extracts exhibited strong antioxidant and anticancer activities, highlighting their potential as new anticancer strategies from natural resources.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hussein E. E. Belal, Mostafa A. M. Abdelpary, El-Sayed M. Desoky, Esmat F. Ali, Najla Amin T. Al Kashgry, Mostafa M. Rady, Wael M. Semida, Amr E. M. Mahmoud, Ali A. S. Sayed
Summary: This study explored the role of diluted bee honey solution (DHS) in attenuating the adverse impacts of nitrogen toxicity on Phaseolus vulgaris growth, yield quality, physio-chemical properties, and defense systems. The results showed that DHS can be used as a sustainable approach to improve plant growth, yield, and photosynthetic efficiency, while reducing environmental pollution.
Article
Soil Science
Wael M. Semida, Taia A. Abd El-Mageed, Mohammed A. H. Gyushi, Shimaa A. Abd El-Mageed, Mostafa M. Rady, Abdelsattar Abdelkhalik, Othmane Merah, Ayman El Sabagh, Ibrahim M. El-Metwally, Mervat Sh. Sadak, Magdi T. Abdelhamid
Summary: This study investigates the potential of foliar spraying with selenium to mitigate the negative effects of water deficit on common bean plants in saline lands. The results indicate that foliar spraying selenium at 25 or 50 mg L-1 can attenuate the harmful effects of water stress, leading to improved growth, yield, water productivity, and chlorophyll content of the plants.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yasser M. Diab, Mohamed A. Tammam, Ahmed M. Emam, Mamdouh A. Mohamed, Magda E. Mahmoud, Wael M. Semida, Omnia Aly, Amr El-Demerdash
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the biomedical potential of methanolic extract from Punica granatum L. var. nana leaves as a source of botanical hepatoprotective and hepatocurative agents. The results showed that the extract exhibited hepatoprotective and curative effects against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats, by restoring the normal tissue architecture. Moreover, the extract was found to be safe in experimental albino rats, suggesting its potential as a source of beneficial bioactive compounds.
EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Peng Jia, Rui Yan, Yuan Wang, Feng-huan Gao, Yang Liu, Qing-long Dong, Hao-an Luan, Xue-mei Zhang, Han Li, Su-ping Guo, Guo-hui Qi
Summary: The KNOX gene plays crucial roles in plant development, and this study identified 19 KNOX gene members in kiwifruit. One of the genes, AcKNOX11, is selectively expressed in flower buds and shoots, and its expression can be induced by ABA and melatonin. Functional analysis revealed that AcKNOX11 delays flowering, reduces plant height, alters leaf shape, and inhibits seed germination through ABA-melatonin interaction.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Dan Hua, Wen-Shu Chen, Rong-Yu Rao, Xu-Feng Chen, Huan-Huan Chen, Ning-Wei Lai, Lin-Tong Yang, Xin Ye, Li -Song Chen
Summary: This study revealed that nitrogen deficiency can lead to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and methylglyoxal (MG), but also enhances the ability of leaves and roots to detoxify these molecules. The effects of nitrogen deficiency on ROS and MG generation and their detoxification systems were found to be different in leaves and roots, with roots being more affected.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Shenghan Yang, Chonlong Chio, Wensheng Qin, Yanxi Pei, Guangpeng Pei, Yuen Zhu, Hua Li
Summary: This study evaluates the immobilization and deactivation of pathogen-produced enzymes and toxic metabolites by biochar in tomato Fusarium wilt and finds that biochar can effectively prevent disease occurrence.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Deborah Pagliaccia, Michelle Ortiz, Michael Rodriguez, Sophia Abbott, Agustina De Francesco, Madison Amador, Valeria Lavagi, Benjamin Maki, Francesca Hopkins, Jonathan Kaplan, Samantha Ying, Georgios Vidalakis
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of organic soil amendments (bokashi, biochar, and their combination) in promoting soil health, nutrient availability, and plant growth. The results show that these amendments can significantly alter soil parameters and have positive effects on soil and plant health.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Yu-Jeong Kwon, Min Jeong Hong, Minkyu Park, Dawon Jeon, Gah-Hyun Lim, Sungyul Chang, Dong-Hwan Kim, Jin-Baek Kim, Jundae Lee, Yeong Deuk Jo
Summary: Flowing LOCUS T (FT)-like genes play crucial roles in flowering induction in plants. Pepper FT-like genes are mostly expressed in leaves and interact with FLOWERING LOCUS D, promoting or delaying flowering. The unique evolutionary process of pepper FT-like genes provides insights for improving productivity.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Ziwen Su, Juan Yan, Binbin Zhang, Meng Sun, Zhixiang Cai, Zhijun Shen, Ruijuan Ma, Mingliang Yu
Summary: Bagging is a crucial cultivation measure that affects the quality of peach fruit by regulating exposure to light. This study investigated the effects of bagging on the content of phenolic compounds in peach fruit and identified the most sensitive compounds to bagging treatment. The study also explored the regulatory role of bagging on phenolic synthetic-related genes. The results showed that bagging affected the accumulation of different phenolics in different peach cultivars and light intensity played a significant role in the accumulation of anthocyanins and other phenolic substances in peach fruit. Additionally, the expression of structural genes and transcription factors related to phenolic synthesis was regulated by bagging and light conditions. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the regulation mechanism of light on the synthesis of phenolic compounds in peach fruit.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Yanfang Zhang, Xinzhi Cui, Zhilei Du, Xiulian Li, Bangdi Liu, Meng Liu, Xiangquan Zeng, Fengjun Guo, Xinguang Fan, Shuyang Sun
Summary: In this study, melatonin treatment effectively improved the aroma quality of apricots during low temperature storage by maintaining firmness and soluble solids content, inhibiting ethylene production, and regulating enzyme activities related to aroma synthesis.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Sang-Mo Kang, Shifa Shaffique, Md. Injamum-Ul-Hoque, Sarah Owdah Alomrani, Yong-Sung Park, In-Jung Lee
Summary: Salinity is a global environmental problem that affects the physiology and morphology of plants. Melatonin has been found to improve photosynthesis, antioxidant activities, and seedling characteristics in milk thistle plants exposed to salinity stress, thereby enhancing their salt tolerance.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Nadia Borgini, Haifa Benmoussa, Mohamed Ghrab, Mehdi Ben Mimoun
Summary: This study investigates the agroclimatic requirements of Prunus species cultivars growing in warm areas using Partial Least Squares regression. The findings reveal that the chilling and heat requirements of the cultivars appear discontinuous, with overlaps or transition periods between the two phases. The warm mean temperatures occurring during the chilling period are the main determinant of the flowering of the studied cultivars.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Review
Horticulture
Kayise Hypercia Maseko, Thierry Regnier, Belinda Meiring, Obiro Cuthbert Wokadala, Tonna Ashim Anyasi
Summary: Bananas are a significant tropical fruit with diverse cultivars, providing essential minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. The Cavendish group is preferred, but identifying suitable cultivars and maturity stages is crucial for various applications.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Godfrey Ouma, Joshua Wanyama, Isa Kabenge, Joseph Jjagwe, Mukulu Diana, John Muyonga
Summary: Irrigation plays a crucial role in increasing eggplant yields amidst climate change, but the deficit irrigation level for optimal growth remains uncertain. This study examined the effect of deficit drip irrigation on eggplant performance and found that irrigating at 75% field capacity maximizes yield and water saving in sandy clay loam soil.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Andrea Marcone, Giorgio Impollonia, Michele Croci, Henri Blandinieres, Stefano Amaducci
Summary: This study used Sentinel-2 satellite images to estimate biophysical and biochemical parameters of spinach crops and found that canopy-level parameters were estimated more accurately. The estimation of the canopy-scale parameter AGB using MCARI showed the highest accuracy, while the estimation of the leaf-scale parameter LCC using NDWI showed the lowest accuracy. At the field scale, the validation results for AGB estimation using SR were the best.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Chengsheng Gong, Guangjun Guo, Baogui Pan, Changzhou Gao, Xianwei Zhu, Shubin Wang, Jinbing Liu, Weiping Diao
Summary: This study investigated the role of key cytokines and metabolic factors in the formation of plant-type traits in pepper. Through integrated analysis of RNA-seq and metabolite determination, the study identified the low content of gibberellin and high content of auxin as important factors causing plant dwarfing, and jasmonic acid as a metabolic factor affecting branch traits. A total of 131 candidate genes involved in metabolite synthesis and the formation of plant-type traits were identified.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Yue Ma, Jia-Chen Hu, Yang Yu, Xin Cheng, Yan-Li Du, Qiang Zhao, Ji-Dao Du
Summary: Cadmium and drought stress significantly inhibited the growth of adzuki bean seedling plants, with the combined stress showing the highest degree of inhibition. Cd+D treatment reduced Cd accumulation in adzuki bean seedling roots. The treatment altered antioxidant enzyme activities and cell cycle phases in the roots, leading to changes in reactive oxygen species content.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Horticulture
Lucette Adet, Danae M. A. Rozendaal, Arthur Tapi, Pieter A. Zuidema, Philippe Vaast, Niels P. R. Anten
Summary: This study investigated the effects of water stress on cocoa trees and found that they are highly sensitive to water stress, with different genotypes exhibiting varied responses. Potassium application did not mitigate the negative effects of water stress. There was significant variation among genotypes in terms of leaf and crown traits, and positive interactions between genotype and irrigation were observed. These findings provide insights into the acclimation strategies of cocoa trees and can be useful for selecting drought-tolerant genotypes.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)