FLOODING, LEAF GAS EXCHANGE, AND GROWTH OF WALNUT (J. REGIA) SEEDLINGS IN CONTAINERS.

The effects of flooding walnut (J. Regia, cv "Serr") seedlings were studied by controlling leaf gas exchange parameters and vegetative growth. Net CO₂ assimilation rate (A) decreased after 3 days of flooding, in the same way stomatal conductance (g_s) and transpiration rate (E) also decreased, while internal CO₂ concentration (Ci) of flooded plants was higher than in non-flooded plants. Leaf darkness and fine-root death were the visual and growth parameters more affected by flooding conditions. Plant recovering after 3 days of flooding was total, therefore an early detection of flooding by leaf gas exchange controls might be a way to avoid flooding damage.