Influence of Silicon on Tolerance to Water Deficit of Peach Trees

Water deficit in young fruit trees can reduce growth and future orchard productivity. Exogenous silicon (Si) applications have been associated with induced resistance to biotic abiotic stresses such as water deficit, but the role of Si is still largely unexplored. The aim study was evaluate effect on status gas exchange peach trees. This comprises two experiments arranged a factorial design regimens (well-irrigated or water-stressed) three concentrations (0, 10, 20 mg⋅L −1 first experiment; 0, 20, 40 second experiment). via foliar spray were performed weekly after clearly established. Tree (midday stem potential), parameters (CO 2 assimilation, leaf transpiration, stomatal conductance, use efficiency) measured. application at 10 improved water-stressed without affecting exchange, reduced CO assimilation. Thus, could be promising strategy for nonirrigated, nonbearing orchards maintain their during dry periods and/or improve recovery from deficit.