Relationship Between Foliage Temperature and Water Stress in Potatoes

Stark, J.C. and Wright, J.L. (1985) Relationship Between Foliage Temperature and Water Stress in Potatoes. American Potato Journal. 62:57-68.

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Abstract

Field studies were conducted in southern Idaho to evaluate the
possibility of using thermal infrared measurements of potato foliage to
detect soil water deficits. Concurrent measurements of foliage-air temperature
differences (Tf-Ta), leaf water potential (Ψleaf) and vapor pressure
deficit (VPD) were obtained from differentially-irrigated Russet Burbank
and Kennebec potatoes during the 1982 and 1983 growing seasons. Foliage-air
temperature differences for well-watered potatoes were linearly related
to VPD. Differences in Tf-Ta values between stressed and well-watered
potatoes were relatively small in the early morning when evaporative demand
was low. However, severe soil water deficits caused afternoon Tf-Ta
values to rise as much as 8.0 C above non-stressed levels under conditions of
high VPD.

Foliage-air temperature differences and VPD data were used to construct
a plant water stress index (PWSI) which reflected the rise in Tf-Ta,
above non-stressed levels at a given VPD. The PWSI was linearly related to
depressions in Ψleaf caused by moderate to severe soil water deficits.
However, the PWSI did not increase significantly above non-stressed values
unless the soil matric potential Ψsoil fell below – 70 kPa (centibars). Since
potatoes are normally irrigated before Ψsoil falls below – 60 kPa, it appears
that foliage temperature measurements cannot be used to effectively
schedule irrigation for this crop.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	0538
Subjects:	Irrigated crops > Potato Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:52
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2017 23:04
Item ID:	427
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/427