Influence ofCorynebacterium insidiosumon Water Relations of Alfalfa

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Abstract
The effect of C. insidiosum on the water relations of alfalfa was studied in a 6 yr old stand of ''Ranger'' alfalfa. Stomatal conductance, xylem pressure potential, and root, stem and leaf liquid flow conductance were measured periodically. At all times, the xylem pressure potential was more negative in diseased than in healthy plants. Stomatal function was not impaired in either diseased or healthy plants. A 60-fold decrease in liquid flow conductance through petioles and leaflet veins of diseased plants probably was the cause of water stress. Flow of water through other parts of the vascular system of diseased plants was only slightly impaired. No evidence of cellular membrane damage was found in water regain or electrolyte leakage studies. The location of impaired water movement was not correlated with the location of the largest numbers of bacteria.

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