This research was aimed at evaluating the effect of nitrogen (N) levels on some aspects related to the photosynthetic rate in plants of papaya Cv. Golden. The plants were cultivated under greenhouse conditions on different nutritional solutions with three concentrations of N-N3- (1.0; 5.0; 8.0molm-3). The experiment was carried out under a randomized blocks experimental design, with seven repetitions. The evaluations occurred on the 61st day after the beginning of the experiment. The nitrogen deficiency reduced the total dry mass; however, the relation root:shoot was highest for these plants. The photosynthetic rate was reduced by the lesser nitrogen availability. The results observed for the stomatal conductance and the negative correlation found between the photosynthesis and the internal concentration of CO2, indicate clearly that the reduced photosynthetic rate was not due to stomatal limitation. Additionally, the reduction verified in leaf pigments, such as chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids also could have been contributed for the reduction on photosynthesis rate and growth of these plants. Transpiratory rate was higher for the plants cultivated under stress; as consequence it was observed, for these plants, minor CO2 profit for unit of transpirated water.
photosynthesis; stomatal conductance; dry mass; water use efficiency; chlorophyll; carotenoids
