Effect of Pruning on some Physiological and Anatomical Features in Olive

An-Najah University Journal for Research - Natural Sciences (A) ISSN: 1727-2114

Volume 22 , 2008, Pages: 093-108

Effect of Pruning on some Physiological and Anatomical Features in Olive Transplants (Olea europaea L.)

“Rezq Basheer” Salimia

rezqbasheer@hebron.edu

Department of Plant Production and Protection. Faculty of Agriculture. Hebron University. Hebron. Palestine.

Received : 14-07-2007 , Accepted : 08-04-2008

Language: English

Abstract

The effect of pruning (cut-back at 5cm height) in comparison to no pruning (plants with central leader) was studied at eco-physiological and anatomical levels in olive trees। Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential, leaf osmotic potential, turgor potential, relative water content, and different anatomical features were reported. The results indicate that, non-pruned plants presented higher value of photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance compared to the pruned plants. In addition, they maintain higher turgor potential for the same values of relative water content (RWC). At anatomical level, non-pruned plants exhibited higher relative volume of spongy cells, spongy thickness and significantly higher number of vascular bundles per leaf section compared to the pruned plants. Palisade parenchyma thicknesses as well as non-glandular hair density (No./mm2) were lower in pruned plants. Possible effect of pruning on juvenility is discussed. http://www.najah.edu/index.php?page=2149&l=en&extra=%26id%3D360