Abstract
Since no information is available about the response of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana
Bertoni) to water stress under Moroccan conditions. This study was aimed at evaluating
the effects of water stress on growth, yield, quality and physiological responses of two
stevia varieties (Canada and Candy). Three water regimes were applied: R100 (100%
of field capacity (FC)), R80 (80% of FC) and R50 (50% of FC) as determined by pot
weight. Water stress significantly reduced stomatal conductance (Gs), photosynthetic
rate (A) and transpiration rate (E) by 72.50%, 78.54% and 74.45 % at R50, respectively
as compared to R100. With the continuing of water stress time, plant allocated less plant
height leading to reductions of 20.27% at R50 as compared to R100. All of the above
responses led to reduced dry leaf yield. By contrast, the stevioside, rebaudioside A and
total steviol glycoside contents were increased in R50 stevia leaves than R100 (23.58%,
13.50% and 11.73%, respectively). The cv Candy displayed a higher dry leaf yield
(34.33 g/plant) and leaf physiological responses compared to cv Canada, which
experienced a great decrease. By contrast, the cv Canada recorded a higher total steviol
glycoside content (19.63%) than the cv Candy (12.63%). The interaction effects
indicate that cv Candy, for R100, displayed a greater dry leaf and SG yields, while these
parameters were greatly reduced under R80 and R50. By contrast, the cv Canada always
showed a lower dry leaf and steviol glycoside yields and a greater total steviol glycoside
contents, that enable it to have a better adaptation to water stress conditions. The
variation of cv Canada and cv Candy responses to water stress suggested the higher
adaptation of cv Canada to water stress compared to cv Candy.
Abderrahmane Benhmimou, Mohammed Ibriz, Chaouki Al Faïz, Fatima Gaboun, Fatima Zahra Amchra, Mounira Lage. (2018) Effects of water stress on growth, yield, quality and physiological responses of two stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) varieties in Rabat region, Morocco, Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology, Volume 6, Issue 1.
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