Shade Intensity Influences Water Use and Growth of Three Viburnum Species

摘要

Water use, growth, and leaf necrosis of Burkwood viburnum, Korean spice viburnum, and leatherleaf viburnum were evaluated on plants grown in 0 (full sun), 30, or 60% shade during 2010 and 2011. In both years, total water use of Burkwood viburnum decreased with increased shade intensity. Water use of leatherleaf viburnum was lowest in 0% and highest in 30% shade. Daily water use was lower in 0% than in 30 or 60% shade for leatherleaf viburnum plants in August of both years and September of 2010 due togreater leaf necrosis, leaf abscission, and less growth in height and width. In both years, growth in height and width, and leaf number at harvest generally increased in all three species with increased shade intensity. All species had a larger leaf area, stem dry weight, and root dry weight in 30 and 60% than in 0% shade. Shade intensity did not influence root to shoot (R/S) ratio in Burkwood viburnum in 2010, but in 2011, a curvilinear relationship occurred between R/S ratio and shade intensity. Rootto shoot ratio of Korean spice and leatherleaf viburnum decreased linearly in 2010 but curvilinearly in 2011 with increasing shade. Leaf necrosis ratings were lower in shaded plants of all three species in both years. Results indicate that greater plantgrowth, quality, and water use efficiency occurs when these three viburnum species are grown in shade than when they are grown in full sun.