The Influence of Deficit Irrigation on Growth, Ornamental Quality, and Water Use Efficiency of Three Potted Bougainvillea Genotypes Grown in Two Shapes

. Bougainvillea is widely used as flowering shrub in gardening and landscaping in the Mediterranean region characterized by limited water supply. The evaluation of deficit irrigation as a possible technique to improve water productivity and selection of genotypes that can better withstand soil water deficits are essential for sustainable production. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of deficit irrigation on three potted Bougainvillea genotypes[ B. glabra var. Sanderiana, B. 3 buttiana ‘Rosenka’, B. ‘Lindleyana’ (= B. ‘Aurantiaca’ )] grown in two shapes, globe and pyramid, on agronomical and physiological parameters. Irrigation treatments were based on the daily water use (100%, 50%, or 25%). The shoot, total dry biomass, leaf number, leaf area, and macronutrient [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)] concentration decreased in response to an increase in water stress with the lowest values recorded in the severe deficit irrigation (SDI) treatment. At 160 days after transplanting (DAT), the percentage of total dry biomass reduction caused by irrigation level was lower in B. 3 buttiana ‘Rosenka’ compared with B. glabra var. Sanderiana and B. ‘Lindleyana’ (= B. ‘Aurantiaca’ ). At 160 DAT, the flower index increased in response to an increase in water stress with the highest values recorded under both moderate deficit irrigation (MDI) and SDI for B. deficit irrigation) on the agronomical and phys- iological responses of three potted Bougainvillea genotypes [ B. glabra var. Sanderiana, B. · buttiana ‘Rosenka’, B. ‘Lindleyana’ (= B. ‘Aurantiaca’ )] trained to two canopy shapes (globe and pyramid). For this, plant growth, ornamental quality, WUE, mineral composi- tion, stomatal resistance, and water relations were measured during the growing cycle. These results can play an important role for the ornamental industry, which is very in- terested in selecting tolerant genotypes and suitable shapes under water stress conditions and to evaluate the DI as a useful technique to save water without affecting the economic value of the plant.

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