[Effects of water stress on the growth of Lonicera japonica and quality of honeysuckle].

OBJECTIVE: Effects of water stress on the growth of Lonicera japonica and quality of honeysuckle were studied. METHODS: Different extent water stress treatment imposed to potted plants before the first florescence of honeysuckle, and the growth and related physiological indexes of Lonicera japonica were determined. RESULTS: Shoot grow slowly as well as the increases of specific weight of leaf and the decrease of the yield of honeysuckle under water stress. The contents of chlorophyl in the leaves treated water stress all increased, and the content of soluble suger had a rising stream. The content of soluble protein in leaves of plant imposed by minor stress treatment was obviously higher than that of CK and severe stress treatment. As the stress was hard, the content of proline in leaves increased significantly. With water stress severing, the content of chlorogenic acid in the flower bud decreased very significantly than CK. CONCLUSION: Water condition was a important factor affected the growth and development of shoots, leaves and flower buds as well as the quality of honeysuckle. In the cultivation of Loniccra japonica, irrigation timing and certain irrigation condition was necessary.