Carbon allocation in cassava is affected by water deficit and potassium application - A

Cassava production faces challenges in a changing climate. Pulse labelling cassava withForty-eight cassava plants received a nutrient solution high or low in potassium. Water deficit was imposed on half of the plants at bulk root initiation stage, after which they were labelled for 8 h withWater deficit decreased transpiration (P 0.001) and increased carbon respiration (P 0.05). Potassium application increased assimilate distribution to the roots (P 0.05) at 9 days after labelling, more strongly for plants under water deficit. The opposite was found at 24 days (P 0.05) with the legacy of water deficit additionally increasing assimilate distribution to roots (P 0.05). Youngest, fully expanded leaves contained up to 47% of initialPulse labelling proved to be successful in shedding light on carbon allocation in relation to water and potassium availability. This technique, once adapted to field conditions, could further be used to improve fertilizer recommendations or change agronomic practices to cope with plant stress.