Water Status of Flower Buds and Leaves as Affected by High Temperature in Heat-Tolerant and Heat-Sensitive Cultivars of Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

In snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), flower and pod abscission causes yield reduction under high-temperature conditions. A high temperature enhances transpiration and thus may induce temporal water deficiency in plants in the daytime. The objective of this study was to clarify the effect of a high temperature on the water status of floral organs at their most heat-sensitive stage. We compared the water potential and its components as well as gas exchange between the heat-tolerant cultivar, Haibushi, and heat-sensitive cultivar, Kentucky Wonder, grown under optimal (control) and high-temperature conditions. Haibushi showed higher pollen fertility under high temperature than Kentucky Wonder. Transpiration was enhanced under a high temperature, causing decrease of water potential in leaves and flower buds. The deterioration of water status in floral organs was larger in Kentucky Wonder than in Haibushi. We conclude that temporal deterioration of the water status in flower buds is one of the factors causing pollen damage.