Treatments were: (1) control (C): 100% of PC, (2) WS1: 80% of PC, (3) WS2:
60% of PC, and (4) WS3: 40% of PC. Control plants were irrigated to pot capacity
(100% PC). Soil water potential was monitored using a tensiometer at 15 cm depth.
As soon as soil water potential reached – 10 kPa, these plants were watered to potcapacity. Water-stressed plants received 80% (80% PC), 60% (60% PC), and 40%
(40% PC) of the applied amount of water to the control plant. Before initiating treatments,
plants were irrigated to the pot capacity for one week in order to improve root
development.