This study evaluated the effect of irrigation levels growth of young 'Tahiti' acid lime (Citrus latifolia Tan.) trees under field conditions. Treatments consisted of drip irrigation based on 100% (T3) and 50% (T2) of crop evapotranspiration measured by a weight lysimeter as well as non-irrigated plants (T1). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with 10 replications. The trunk diameter and plant height were measured monthly, whereas the leaf area, the volume and the top of the tree projection were determined 14 months after setting treatments. Measurements of CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance and plant water potential were taken to verify the plant physiological status under the applied treatments. Irrigated plants submitted to T3 showed higher leaf area, trunk diameter, plant height and volume of tree projection. Intermediate values of these variables were observed in T2, compared to T3 and T1. The development of non-irrigated plants was probably impaired by low values of stomatal conductance and CO2 assimilation.
Citrus latifolia Tan.; irrigation management; water stress
