Abstract

In Brazil, hog plum trees are found mainly in the North and Northeast regions; they are considered to be under plant domestication and extractive exploitation. Therefore, it is economically important for those regions. In order to evaluate physiological and biochemical aspects of carbon metabolism in young hog plum plants (Spondia mombin L.) under full irrigation and water deficit conditions, an experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belém, PA. The experimental design was completely randomized with two irrigation water conditions: full irrigation water (control) and water stress, with 20 repetitions, totaling 40 experimental units. As a result of water deficit, there were significant decreases in water potential, stomatal conductance, transpiration and starch content, and a significant increase in the levels of total soluble carbohydrates and sucrose. Water stress directly affected the levels of carbon cycle compounds.

Key words: Water deficit, osmoregulators, full irrigation, hog plum, carbohydrate content.