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Genetic differences in water-use efficiency, stomatal conductance and carbon isotope fractionation in potato

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Summary

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars were grown in pots and containers under a rain shelter to examine differences in stomatal conductance, water-use efficiency, and carbon isotope fractionation. Conductance was measured on abaxial leaf surfaces with a steady state diffusion porometer. Carbon isotopic analyses were made with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Water-use efficiency (WUE) was obtained by dividing total dry matter production by cumulative transpiration.

Significant genetic variation was observed for each trait. WUE was positively related to carbon isotope fractionation (13∈) and was inversely related to stomatal conductance. Carbon isotope analysis and porometry show potential as indirect screening methods to identify genetic differences in water-use efficiency.

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Vos, J., Groenwold, J. Genetic differences in water-use efficiency, stomatal conductance and carbon isotope fractionation in potato. Potato Res 32, 113–121 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02358219

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