GAS EXCHANGE, CHLOROPLAST PIGMENTS AND GROWTH OF PASSION FRUIT CULTIVATED WITH SALINE WATER AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION

The objective of this study was to evaluate the gas exchange, chloroplast pigments and growth of 'BRS Rubi do Cerrado' passion fruit as a function of irrigation with saline water and potassium fertilization in the seedling formation stage. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in the municipality of Pombal-PB, Brazil. A randomized block design was used in 5 x 2 factorial scheme, corresponding to five levels of water electrical conductivity - ECw (0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7 and 3.5 dS m(-1)) and two doses of potassium - KD (50 and 100% of the recommendation), with four replicates and two plants per plot. Water salinity from 0.3 dS m(-1) reduced the stomatal opening, transpiration, CO2 assimilation and inhibited the growth of 'BRS Rubi do Cerrado' passion fruit plants, at 40 days after sowing. There was no CO2 restriction in the substomatal cavity of passion fruit plants grown under water salinity from 0.3 dS m(-1). Potassium dose of 150 mg kg(-1) of soil, corresponding to 100%, intensified the effect of salt stress on the assimilation rate and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency in 'BRS Rubi do Cerrado' passion fruit. There was interaction between water salinity levels and potassium doses for the chlorophyll a and b contents of 'BRS Rubi do Cerrado' passion fruit.