Hidráulica e anatomia do xilema no gênero Rubus spp.

Abstract

Blackberry and raspberry trees belong to the genus Rubus, from the Rosaceae family, classified as temperate fruit trees, whose fruits have great economic importance and nutritional value. However, plants have low tolerance to water stress. Water availability is a key factor for plant development and growth and metabolic processes. However, the plant has the ability to adapt its anatomical structure according to climatic conditions and water availability in the soil. The objective of this work was to determine the loss of hydraulic conductance (PLC) and characterize the xylem vessels in two species, the blackberry tree and the raspberry tree. Hydraulic conductance was determined in plants in production at Tupy, in Morro Redondo-RS. A second experiment was carried out on plants grown in pots. The study was carried out on the black mulberry tree 'Tupy', 'BRS Caingua', 'BRS Xavante', 'BRS Xingu' and 'Black 348', while on the raspberry tree plants were used of the cultivars, 'Fallgold', 'Heritage' and 'Heil Face'. From the results it is concluded that the raspberry tree has a greater diameter and density of xylem vessels compared to those of the blackberry tree. The frequency of distribution of vessel size in mulberry varies with the cultivar, with ‘BRS Caingua’ having the largest vessel size. It is also concluded that it is indicative of future research on the genus Rubus spp to enhance increased productivity and better crop management.