SPAD index in function of different times of measurement and positions in leaflets of potato fertilized with nitrogen

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the nitrogen (N) on the SPAD readings values performed weekly, check if the SPAD values determined in the forth leaf are sensitive to changes as location where the reading is done on leaf, time of measurement as well as the effect of the irrigation on SPAD readings values in potato plants. The experiment was conducted from June to September 2008, in a complete randomized block with four replications, involving five N rates (0; 50; 100; 200 e 300 kg ha-1) as ammonium sulfate applied in the furrow at planting. SPAD readings values were determined at 7; 14; 21; 28; 35; 42; 49 e 56 days after plant emergency (DAE) on the terminal leaflet of the fourth fully expanded leaf from the apex (FL) and on the first leaflet from the base of the plant (OL). The SPAD readings values were performed at different times during the day, different locations in the FL and before and after irrigation at 21 DAE.  The N rates and DAE influenced the SPAD readings determined in the FL and OL during the crop cycle. The N rates influenced the SPAD values determined in all regions of the FL, except for the distal region. The N rates and the different times of measurement during the day influenced the SPAD values on the FL. The SPAD values determined before and after the irrigation proved to be different. So, it should be established a strict protocol for determining the SPAD index.