Changes in water relations, leaf gas exchange and elemental composition of peach leaves infected with Taphrina deformans (Berk.) Tul

Abstract

An investigation of water relations, leaf gas-exchange and elemental composition of healthy (control) and naturally infected with Taphrina deformans peach leaves was carried out. It was established that the water content and water potential were significantly higher in the infected leaves, while the relative water content and transpiration rate were not changed. The dark period respiration rate of infected leaves increased dramatically but the gross photosynthesis rate was strongly inhibited. The phosphorus and potassium content of infected leaves was higher than in the healthy leaves, but the content of other analysed elements diminished at different extent. The current work presents the results of the study related to the changes in water status, CO2 exchange rate and elemental composition of T. deformans-infected peach leaves.