Exploring the Impact of Potassium on Growth, Photosynthetic Performance, and Nutritional Status of Lemon Trees (cv. Adamopoulou ) Grafted onto Sour Orange and Volkamer Lemon Rootstocks

Ioannis E. Papadakis (), Evangelia-Vasiliki Ladikou, Alexia Oikonomou, Theocharis Chatzistathis and Georgia Chatziperou
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Ioannis E. Papadakis: Laboratory of Pomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
Evangelia-Vasiliki Ladikou: Laboratory of Pomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
Alexia Oikonomou: Laboratory of Pomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
Theocharis Chatzistathis: Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO) ‘DIMITRA’, Institute of Soil and Water Resources, Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
Georgia Chatziperou: Laboratory of Pomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 22, 1-23

Abstract: (1) Background: This study investigates the effects of potassium (K) and rootstock on the growth, photosynthetic activity, and mineral nutrition of lemon trees; (2) Methods: Lemon trees (cv. Adamopoulou ) grafted onto sour orange ( Citrus aurantium ) (SO) or Volkamer lemon ( Citrus volkameriana ) (VL) rootstock were cultivated hydroponically under 0.00, 0.75, 1.50, 3.00, and 6.00 mM K. Plant growth and nutrition parameters, as well as leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intracellular CO 2 , chlorophyll, and carotenoid concentration were assessed; (3) Results: Under K deficiency (0 mM K), plants exhibited chlorotic and necrotic symptoms, more pronounced in older leaves. Potassium deficiency adversely affected various physiological processes in lemon leaves, including a decrease in photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intercellular CO 2 concentration, water use efficiency, CO 2 utilization efficiency, chlorophyll a/b ratio, and carotenoid concentrations (some effects were rootstock-dependent). Low photosynthetic rates under K deficiency were due to both stomatal- and non-stomatal limitations. Elevated K in the nutrient solution consistently reduced the total plant uptake of P, Ca, Mg, B, Mn, and Zn, resulting in nutrient imbalances, as evidenced by the significant decrease in P, Ca, Mg, and Zn concentrations found in scion tissues (especially at the 6 mM K treatment). Rootstock-dependent responses were also observed in scion leaf and stem growth and in mineral nutrient concentrations, uptake, and distribution across plant parts; (4) Conclusions: Our study reveals interesting aspects on how to optimize K fertilization in lemon trees in the context of sustainable agriculture by considering nutrient interactions and rootstock-dependent effects. Understanding these complex interactions and improving K fertilization practices is expected to improve lemon tree performance, yield, and fruit quality.

Keywords: Citrus; chlorophyll; fertilization; mineral nutrition; nutrient use efficiency; nutrient interactions; stomatal conductance; sustainable agriculture; transpiration rate (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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