The effects of root temperature on water movement resistance were studied on cacao (Theobroma cacao L. cv Catongo) seedlings under greenhouse conditions at root temperatures of 10, 20 30 and 40ºC, on leaves covered with aluminum foil and black plastic bags and on uncovered leaves. The leaves were located at the base, intermediates part and apex of the stem. Gas exchange measurements were done utilizing a LI-6000 portable photosynthetic system. Water and osmotic potential were measured by psychrometry. Turgor potential was estimated as the difference between water potential and osmotic potential. The results suggested that the resistance to water movement depends on the transpirational flux and that the water potential gradients across the plant vary at temperatures greater than 30ºC. Gas exchanges, at diferent root temperature, depend on the water status of the plant.
Cacao; Resistance to water movement; Root temperature