Abstract

The objective of this study is to compare the growth of oil palm seedlings under irrigated and water deficit conditions and to examine the effect of potassium chloride (KCL) and choline chloride (CCC) in combating water stress. The experiments were conducted on eight month old seedlings grown in large polythene bags. Three irrigation schedules were given and subtreatments with foliar application of the above chemicals were imposed. Photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, internal Carbon dioxide and leaf temperature were measured using a portable infrared gas analyser. Foliar application of CCC reduced transpiration to 6 mumol sq. m. /s from 7. 77 mumol sq. m/s. The chemical treatments, however, did not show any significant variations between treatments. Similarly, the interaction effects of irrigation and chemicals were also found to be non-significant