Physiological traits of citrus trees

• Grant number: 14/16483-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: May 02, 2015
• End date: May 16, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Dirceu de Mattos Junior
• Grantee: Dirceu de Mattos Junior
• Visiting researcher: James P. Syvertsen
• Visiting researcher institution: University of Florida, Gainesville (UF), United States
• Host Institution: Instituto Agronômico (IAC). Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Physiological traits of Citrus define carbon (C) allocation and consequently horticultural performance of trees, which fruit yield of orchards is largely influenced by the supply of nitrogen (N). This nutrient affects photosynthetic rate, carbohydrate synthesis, specific weight of the leaves, total biomass and C partitioning within different organs in the plant. Therefore, plant photochemical and biochemistry efficiency can be responsible, at least, for differences on the utilization of N assimilated by lemon compared to orange trees. In order to address the N use efficiency (NUE) between these two species we will propose to study N, as well dry matter partitioning. Other aspects relevant to citrus production rely on the characterization of C allocation of healthy trees vs. huanglongbing (HLB) affected ones. Dr. Syvertsen, a former plant physiologist of the Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida (USA), is one of the most important researchers in the area of interest. His experience will be shared and incorporated into research proposals of the local groups. He will also offer a short course on NUE in citrus to researchers and graduate students. We look forward to benefit from discussions conducted during a two-week visit program. (AU)