Screening of tall fescue genotypes for relative water content and osmotic potential under drought stress

Background:Tall fescue(Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)is an important coolseason perennial grass.Its persistence and forage yield can be severely affected by drought stresses during the hot,dry summers of the southern USA.Methods:One thousand tall fescue genotypes were evaluated in the greenhouse for high relative water content(RWC)and low cell sap osmotic potential(OP).Fifty contrasting genotypes for the two traits were identified and used in further greenhouse and field studies.These genotypes were also screened with 30%PEG8000.Root and shoot characteristics were studied in 10 genotypes.Results:The genotypes differed for RWC(33.7%–97.3%,mean:79.7%)and had an almost fivefold difference in OP(−0.5 to−2.4 MPa,mean:−1.2 MPa).Significant variation(p<0.001)for the main effects of environment and genotypes was found for RWC and OP.Apart from the greenhouse trial,no correlation was found between RWC and OP,indicating that differences in RWC might have been due to factors other than osmotic adjustment.Genotypes with either long roots or high root weights,and high root/shoot ratios demonstrated high RWC and low OP.Conclusions:Genotypes with consistently high RWC and low OP were identified and used for the development of mapping populations and transcriptome studies.

Analysis on the daily courses of water potential of nine woody species from Cerrado vegetation during wet season

The water potential (Ψ) daily courses of 9 woody species from Cerrado vegetation in different weather conditions during wet season were observed and analyzed. The adjusting strategies of 9 species could be divided into 3 groups according to Cluster Analysis and based on the data observed on the January 18, March 20 and April 6. The Ψ values of the first group, which included 2 species, were maintained at the higher level consistently. The Ψ values of the second group, which included 5 species, were intermediate level. The Ψ values of the third group, which included 2 species, were kept in the lower level. The Ψ values of all species always kept pace with the weather condition, especially water condition. During the clear day only one Ψ value peak for all species occurred at midday (12∶30–13∶30). When the overcast or raining occurred for a short period, the fluctuation of Ψ values would appear after about 15–30 min responding to the change of weather condition. Even in the same group under the same external circumstance, there was a clear variation of the leaf Ψ values among different species, which showed that the strategy diversity for plant to balance water relation. From January to April, the Ψ values of 9 species reduced in response to the drought condition. The species with the lower values of water saturation deficiency at turgid loss point (W sdtlp) the osmotic potential at saturation (πsat), the osmotic potential at turgid lose point (πtip) or lower predawn water potential (Ψpd) usually had the lower Ψ values at midday. The mechanism of water balance controlled by many systems has been assumed.

Leaf Turgor Potential, Plant Growth and Photosynthesis in Organically Fertilized Sweet Corn

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted using a complete random design with six replications. A pressure-volume curve analysis was employed to study the effects of organic fertilizers on plant water relations in sweet corn (Zea mays L. cv. Honey-bantam) in terms of leaf osmotic concentration (Cs), osmotic potentials at full turgid status (πFT) and at incipient plasmolysis (πIP), and of symplastic (ζsym) and apoplastic (ζapo) fractions in the tissue water compartment in relation to photosynthetic capacity (Pc) and dry mass accumulation. At the seedling stage (day 15), plants with chemical fertilizer treatments showed lower πFT, πIP and ζapo and higher Cs, ζsym and PC than those with organic fertilizer treatments. Compared to PC and relative growth, where values from day 15 to day 75 were first lower for organic treatments and then higher, ζsym and Cs values were similar, while πFT and πIP were opposite being higher then lower. Dry mass production with organic fertilizer was higher than or close to the chemical fertilizer treatments in the later growth stage (day 75), though dry mass production with chemical fertilizers was much higher in the early and middle growing stages (days 15 and 45). Increased photosynthesis and dry mass production in later growth stages due to organic fertilizers were associated with increased osmotic concentration in the tissue and the symplastic fraction of the tissue water compartment. These might favor stomatal opening and biochemical activities.

Stomatal dynamics are regulated by leaf hydraulic traits and guard cell anatomy in nine true mangrove species

Stomatal regulation is critical for mangroves to survive in the hyper-saline intertidal zone where water stress is severe and water availability is highly fluctuant.However,very little is known about the stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit(VPD)in mangroves,and its co-ordination with stomatal morphology and leaf hydraulic traits.We measured the stomatal response to a step increase in VPD in situ,stomatal anatomy,leaf hydraulic vulnerability and pressure-volume traits in nine true mangrove species of five families and collected the data of genome size.We aimed to answer two questions:(1)Does stomatal morphology influence stomatal dynamics in response to a high VPD in mangroves?with a consideration of possible influence of genome size on stomatal morphology;and(2)do leaf hydraulic traits influence stomatal sensitivity to VPD in mangroves?We found that the stomata of mangrove plants were highly sensitive to a step rise in VPD and the stomatal responses were directly affected by stomatal anatomy and hydraulic traits.Smaller,denser stomata was correlated with faster stomatal closure at high VPD across the species of Rhizophoraceae,and stomata size negatively and vein density positively correlated with genome size.Less negative leaf osmotic pressure at the full turgor(πo)was related to higher operating steady-state stomatal conductance(gs);and a higher leaf capacitance(Cleaf)and more embolism resistant leaf xylem were associated with slower stomatal responses to an increase in VPD.In addition,stomatal responsiveness to VPD was indirectly affected by leaf morphological traits,which were affected by site salinity and consequently leaf water status.Our results demonstrate that mangroves display a unique relationship between genome size,stomatal size and vein packing,and that stomatal responsiveness to VPD is regulated by leaf hydraulic traits and stomatal morphology.Our work provides a quantitative framework to better understand of stomatal regulation in mangroves in an environment with high salinity and dynamic water availability.

Effect of priming on the germination of Peltophorum dubium seeds under water stress

Peltophorum dubium seeds provided by Anhembi, SP were scarified in 98% H2SO4 for 15 min to overcome mechani-cal dormancy. Seeds were primed in solutions of 0.2% Captan at 10 C and 27C, PEG 6000 -1.0 MPa at 10C and 27C, 0.5 mol KNO3, 0.75 Mol KNO3, 1.0 Mol KNO3. Eight treatments including the primed seeds and nonprimed seeds, five replicates with 100 seeds for each treatment, were set to 15-cm-Petri dish with double filter paper moistened with testing solution PEG in refrigerator at 27C. For the experiments of all the groups, osmotic potential were 0.0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1.0, -1.2, and -1.4 MPa. P. dubium seeds were also set to water stress experiment in rolled paper with PEG solutions from 0.0 to -1.0 M Pa. Germination percentage decreased with the increase of PEG concentration. Control group had a better germination percentage than other groups. Germination hardly occurred in PEG -1.4 MPa.

Distribution pattern of Caragana species under the influence of climate gradient in the Inner Mongolia region, China

There is a strong climate gradient in the Inner Mongolia region, China, with solar radiation and air temperature increasing but precipitation decreasing gradually from the northeast to the southwest. Sixteen Cara- gana species exist in the Inner Mongolia region. These Caragana species exhibit a distribution pattern across moisture zones and form a geographical replacement series. In order to examine the mechanisms responsible for Caragana species distribution pattern, we selected 12 Caragana species that exhibit a distinct distribution pattern across multiple moisture zones in the Inner Mongolia region, and determined the relationships between the leaf ecological and physiological traits of these Caragana species and the aridity index and solar radiation. Along with the climatic drought gradient and the solar radiation intensification from the northeast to the southwest, leaf eco- logical characteristics of Caragana species changed drastically, i.e. the leaf shape gradually turned from flat into tegular or tubbish; the leaf hair became denser, longer and lighter in color; the leaf area, leaf biomass and specific leaf area （SLA） decreased significantly; the leaf thickness and the ratio of leaf thickness to leaf area increased sig- nificantly; and the leaf chlorophyll content decreased significantly. As the climatic drought stress increased, osmotic potentials of the main osmotic adjustment substances and the cytoplasmic ion concentration of Caragana species increased significantly. Meanwhile, the total and free water contents and water potential of leaves decreased sig- nificantly; the ratio of bound to free water increased significantly; the stomatal conductance and transpiration rate reduced significantly; and the water use efficiency （WUE） increased significantly. In addition, with the intensification of climatic drought stress, peroxidase （POD） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activities in leaves increased significantly. As a result, the malondialdehyde （MDA） content increased while the oxygen free radical content decreased. Our results showed that most of the leaf ecological and physiological traits of the 12 Caragana species varied in accordance with the climatic drought gradient in the Inner Mongolia region, which reflected the adaptation of the Caragana species to the local climate conditions. With relatively more active metabolism and faster growth, the Caragana species in the northeast had strong competitive abilities; on the other hand, with stronger resistance to climatic drought stress, the Caragana species in the southwest could survive in harsh environments. Based on our results, we con- cluded that both the environmental gradients and the adaptive responses of Caragana species to their environments played important roles in the formation of the Caragana species distribution pattern across the Inner Mongolia region.

Effect of Water Stress Caused by PEG 6000 on Germination and Seedling Growth of Four Soybean Cultivars

Soybean [Glycine max （L.）] is one of the most important protein and oil seed crop. In attention to time consuming and effect of uncontrolled agents like soil elements and hemisphere, study of tolerance in soybean to water stress during germination was investigated. Four soybean cultivars ＇Williams, Linford, L 17 and M7＇ were screened for drought tolerance by treatment of PEG6000 concentration for induce osmotic potentials （0, -3, -6, -9 bar）. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications was conducted. Germination percentage, radicle and hypocotyls length, fresh and dry weight of radicle, hypocotyl and seedling, TWC%, MDG, rate of daily germination and percentage of abnormal seedling were measured. Variance analysis of data indicated that difference between osmotic potential had significant effect on all parameters except germination percentage. A significant reduction in fresh weight of radicle and seedling, percentage of abnormal seedlings was observed for the genotypes as the concentration of PEG increased. In interaction between cultivars and water stress level, Linford and M7 with less damage had the highest yield in fresh and dry weight of radicle, respectively. Drought is one of the most important abiotic limited potential in germination and primary growth on these cultivars.

Responses of Native Tree Species to Soil Water Stress in a Tropical Forest on Limestone,Vietnam

Forests over limestone in the tropics have received little attention and limestone forests in Vietnam have been overlooked to an even greater extent in terms of tree physiology. In Ba Be National Park, Vietnam, soil water availability in limestone forests seems to be the most limiting factor in the dry season. Therefore, in order to enhance the preliminary knowledge of choosing native tree species for enrichment planting in the restoration zone, characteristics of the 20 native tree species to soil water stress were investigated in a limestone forest. One-ha plot each consisting of twenty-five 20 m × 20 m plots was established in undisturbed forests. All trees ≥ 10 cm DBH were measured in 20 m × 20 m plots, while twenty-five 5 m × 5 m subplots were established in order to sample the regeneration of tree species with a DBH < 10 cm. The Scholander apparatus and freezing point osmometry were used in order to measure the leaf water potential (Ψw) and leaf osmotic potential (Ψπ) of the 20 native tree species, respectively in this study. 61 species belonging to 34 families of all trees with a DBH ≥ 10 cm were recorded in one ha, while 31 species representing 18 families of trees < 10 cm DBH were identified in 625 m2. The 20 species’ leaf water and osmotic potential values revealed significant differences among species. The maximum leaf water potential was not affected by any anticipated sources of variation, while the minimum water potential, however, showed significant variation to soil water stress. The results in the study area emphasized the importance of water factors in influencing tree species distribution;it could be concluded that native species with wide water potential ranges would be better able to withstand water changes and might be thus good candidates for reforestation (enrichment planting) in limestone areas.

Differences in physiological and biochemical responses to summer drought of Pinus nigra subsp.pallasiana and Pinus brutia in a natural mixed stand

Understanding how tree species respond to drought in their natural environment is needed to predict forest adaptation and management practices under global environmental changes.This study was carried out to determine and compare physiological and biochemical responses to variations in environmental conditions during summer drought of mixed natural stands of Pinus nigra Arn.subsp.pallasiana(Lamb.)Holmboe and Pinus brutia Ten.Midday xylem water potential(ψmd),water relations,photosynthetic pigments,total soluble sugar and proline contents were investigated during the growing season.ψmd followed a similar seasonal trend in both species but P.nigra subsp.pallasiana had higher ψmd than P.brutia.The ψmd gradually decreased from June,reached its lowest value in August,and then increased again.Gradual decreases in the osmotic potential at turgor loss point(ψnTLP)were observed during the summer.Generally,ψnTLP was lower in P.brutia.Total soluble sugars decreased from April to June for P.brutia,then increased and stayed relatively constant August to October.Similar changes were found at lower values in P.nigra subsp.pallasiana.Prolin accumulation and photosynthetic pigments were higher in P.brutia.The results indicate that physiological and biochemical responses of both species against changing environmental conditions were in different degrees but followed similar trends.P.nigra subsp.pallasiana is more sensitive to summer drought than P.brutia in their natural environment.

Slope stability of an unsaturated embankment with and without natural pore water salinity subjected to rainfall infiltration

Natural soils contain a certain amount of salt in the form of dissolved ions or electrically charged atoms,originated from the long-term erosion by acidic rainwater.The dissolved salt poses an extra osmotic water potential being normally neglected in laboratory measurements and numerical analyses.However,ignorance of salinity may result in overestimation of stability,and the design may not be as conservative as thought.Therefore,this research aims to first experimentally examine the influence of pore water salinity on water retention curve and saturated permeability of natural dispersive loess under saline and desalinated conditions.Second,the measured parameters are used for stability analyses of a railway embankment in an area subjected to regional rainfall incident.Eventually,a numerical parametric study is carried out to explore the significance of different rainfall schemes,construction patterns,and anisotropic permeability on the factor of safety.Results reveal that desalinization suppresses the water retention capability,which in turn results in a tremendous declination of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity.Despite the natural saline embankment,rainfall can hardly infiltrate into the desalinated embankment due to the lower conductivity.Therefore,the factor of safety for natural saline conditions drops notably,while only marginal changes occur in the case of the desalinated embankment.

Influence of Rice Straw Incorporation on the Microbial Biomass and Activity in Coastal Saline Soils of Bangladesh

Coastal soils of Bangladesh are affected by salinity. This study investigated salinity as a stress factor on coastal soils in Bangladesh. It was also observed if incorporation of rice straw could remediate negative impacts of soil salinity (if any) on microbial activ-ity. The microbial biomass carbon ranged from 137.85 to 614.88 μg/g among the soils (n = 11). Microbial biomass carbon content and number of both cultivable bacteria and fungi decreased in the soils with higher ECes (electrical conductivity). Respiration was measured over 30 days with each soil pre incubated at 50% of water holding capacity. Basal respiration rate as well as soil organic carbon content (r = 0.88, p - 37.73 mS/cm) (12.91 - 16.89 mg CO2/g dry soil) than in the nonsaline soils (0.98 - 2.33 mS/cm) (5.79 - 6.51 mg CO2/g dry soil). Application of rice straw at 0.50%, 1.00%, 1.50% and 2.00% reduced the negative impact of soil salinity especially at higher ECes (6.63 - 37.73 mS/cm). Application of 1.00% rice straw appeared to be acceptable for successful amelioration of saline soils of the study area.

Germination of Encholirium spectabile Mart.ex Schult.&Schult.f.Seeds in Response to Temperature and Water Stress

A study was conducted to examine the effects of different temperatures and water stress on Encholirium spectabile seeds. We evaluated the germination percentage, speed and time of germination of small (4.01 mm), at temperatures of 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C and 45°C and a photoperiod of 12 hours of light. Seeds were subjected to osmotic potentials of 0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1.0, -1.2 and -1.4 MPa, induced by solutions of polyethylene glycol. The results indicated an excellent germination of medium and large seeds at the temperatures of 20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C. The temperature of 35°C provided the best mean germination time of large seeds and a higher speed rate of medium and large seeds. E. spectabile seeds germinate in a wide range of water deficit of -0.2 to -1.2 MPa. Germination reduced at concentrations of -1.0 and -1.2 MPa. No germination occurred at -1.4 MPa. Larger seeds showed the higher germination potential than medium and small seeds at the temperatures of 25°C, 30°C and 35°C and in the range ofwater deficit of -0.2 to -1.2 Mpa.

Physiological Conditioning of Alibertia edulis(Rich)Seeds

Physiological conditioning of seeds has been shown to increase the uniformity of seedlings;thus, it has been useful for propagating native tree species from the Brazilian Cerrado which, otherwise, are difficult to propagate successfully. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of physiological conditioning of Alibertia edulis seeds by soaking for 5 or 10 days in solutions of varying osmotic potential. After conditioning, seeds were dried down to original water content, sown on sheets of germitest paper inside gerbox plastic boxes, and incubated at 25&deg;C. We evaluated the effect of conditioning by studying seed germination and vigor. Seed conditioning by osmotic pretreatment showed positive effects;however, germination and growth of seedlings from seeds conditioned at osmotic potentials of -0.3 to -0.7 MPa were reduced. Osmoconditioning for 10 days at -0.7 MPa resulted in increased percent germination, indicating that the longest imbibition period in the osmotic solution of the lowest osmotic potential (-1.3 MPa) favored the seed germination process. A. edulis seeds did not require conditioning to attain high germination rates;nonetheless, osmotic conditioning reduced average seed-germination time.

Seed germination response of the invasive Haloxylon persicum in Tunisia

Biological invasion represents a major worldwide threat to native biodiversity and environmental stability.Haloxylon persicum was introduced to Tunisia(North Africa)with Saharan bioclimate in 1969 to fix sandy dunes.Since then,it has gained significant interest for its potential to colonize,proliferate,and become naturalized in Tunisia.Hence,understanding the seed germination response of H.persicum to abiotic conditions,including temperature,water stress,and salt stress,is crucial for predicting its future spread and adopting effective control strategies.Our work investigated the germination behavior of this invasive plant species by incubation at temperatures from 10.0℃ to 35.0℃ and at various osmotic potentials(-2.00,-1.60,-1.00,-0.50,and 0.00 MPa)of polyethylene glycol-6000(PEG6000,indicating water stress)and sodium chloride(NaCl,indicating salt stress)solutions.Results showed remarkable correlations among the seed functional traits of H.persicum,indicating adaptive responses to local environmental constraints.The maximum germination rate was recorded at 25.0℃ with a rate of 0.39/d.Using the thermal time model,the base temperature was recorded at 8.4℃,the optimal temperature was 25.5℃,and the ceiling temperature was found at 58.3℃.Besides,based on the hydrotime model,the base water potential showed lower values of -7.74 and -10.90 MPa at the optimal temperatures of 25.0℃ and 30.0℃,respectively.Also,the species was found to have excellent tolerance to drought(water stress)compared to salt stress,which has implications for its potential growth into new habitats under climate change.Combining ecological and physiological approaches,this work elucidates the invasive potential of H.persicum and contributes to the protection of species distribution in Tunisian ecosystems.

Leaf turgor loss point at full hydration for 41 native and introduced tree and shrub species from Central Europe

The last years,Central European forests have suffered from drought as a direct consequence of climate change.All these forests have a long management history and it lies in the landowner’s responsibility to replant damaged forests.Hence,landowners and the government are searching currently for species suitable to replant in areas affected by tree die-offs.It is a matter of fact that good knowledge of drought resistance of species is a critical measure for the current replanting efforts.We determined a widely recognized trait for leaf drought tolerance(leaf water potential at turgor loss point at full hydration,πtlp)in 41 woody species native or introduced in Central Europe.The osmometric rapid assessment method was used to measure the leaf osmotic potential at full hydration(πosm)of sun-exposed leaves and converted toπtlp.Meanπtlp of the native species was−2.33±0.33 MPa.The less negativeπtlp was found in the introduced species Aesculus hypocastania and was at−1.70±0.11 MPa.The most negativeπtlp,and thus the potentially highest drought tolerance,were found in the introduced species Pseudotsuga menzesii and was at−3.02±0.14 MPa.High or less negativeπtlp is associated with lower drought tolerance,whereas low or more negativeπtlp stands for higher resistance to drought stress.For example,the two native species Illex aquifolium and Alnus glustinosa are species naturally associated with moist habitats and are characterized by the least negativeπtlp of−1.75±0.02 and−1.76±0.03 MPa,respectively.