INFLUENCE OF WATER-STRESS ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND VARIABLE CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE OF POTATO LEAVES

Net photosynthetic rate (PN), productivity and the first phases of the fluorescence induction curve were investigated in leaves of two potato cultivars exposed to water stress. Water stress applied to potato plants at the beginning of their development (planting-bud formation) increased productivity but decreased PN and variable fluorescence (Fv) of leaves. The short-term influence of water stress on the same plants also diminished the Fv.