Exogenous calcium enhances the physiological status and photosynthetic capacity of rose under drought stress

Drought(water shortage)can substantially limit the yield and economic value of rose plants(Rosa spp.).Here,we characterized the effect of exogenous calcium(Ca^(2+))on the antioxidant system and photosynthesis-related properties of rose under polyethylene glycol 6000(PEG6000)-induced drought stress.Chlorophyll levels,as well as leaf and root biomass,were significantly reduced by drought;drought also had a major effect on the enzymatic antioxidant system and increased concentrations of reactive oxygen species.Application of exogenous Ca^(2+)increased the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of leaves,enhanced water-use efficiency,and increased the length and width of stomata following exposure to drought.Organ-specific physiological responses were observed under different concentrations of Ca^(2+).Application of 5 mmol·L^(-1)Ca^(2+)promoted photosynthesis and antioxidant activity in the leaves,and application of 10 mmol·L^(-1)Ca^(2+)promoted antioxidant activity in the roots.Application of exogenous Ca^(2+)greatly enhanced the phenotype and photosynthetic capacity of potted rose plants following exposure to drought stress.Overall,our findings indicate that the application of exogenous Ca^(2+)enhances the drought resistance of roses by promoting physiological adaptation and that it could be used to aid the cultivation of rose plants.

Effects of Low Temperature Stress on Germination and Physiological Characteristics of Different Sweet Maize Varieties

[Objectives]The paper was to explore the effects of low temperature stress on germination and physiological characteristics of different sweet maize varieties.[Methods]Taking Taitian 264,Zhexuetian 1 and Chaotian 4 as the research objects,the changes in germination potential,germination index,plant height,biomass,and antioxidant enzyme activity of maize seeds were studied under optimal temperature conditions(25℃)and low temperature stress conditions(10℃).[Results]Under 10℃stress,the germination rate and germination index of Taitian 264 were higher than that of Zhexuetian 1 and Chaotian 4.Under low temperature stress,Taitian 264 exhibited the least reduction in height and biomass,while Zhexuetian 1 had the most reduction.Additionally,the SOD and POD activities of Taitian 264 were higher than that of Zhexuetian 1 and Chaotian 4 under both temperature conditions,while the MDA content of Taitian 264 was lower.Taitian 264 showed strong germination ability against low temperature stress.[Conclusions]This study provides a basis for timely sowing practices of sweet maize in agricultural production.

Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics and Response Patterns of Salinity Stress Responsive Genes (SSRGs) in Wild Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.)

Cultivating salt-tolerant crops is a feasible way to effectively utilize saline-alkali land and solve the problem of underutilization of saline soils.Quinoa,a protein-comprehensive cereal in the plant kingdom,is an exceptional crop in terms of salt stress tolerance level.It seems an excellent model for the exploration of salt-tolerance mechanisms and cultivation of salt-tolerant germplasms.In this study,the seeds and seedlings of the quinoa cultivar Shelly were treated with different concentrations of NaCl solution.The physiological,biochemical characteristics and agronomic traits were investigated,and the response patterns of three salt stress-responsive genes(SSRGs)in quinoa were determined by real-time PCR.The optimum level of stress tolerance of quinoa cultivar Shelly was found in the range of 250–350 mM concentration of NaCl.Salt stress significantly induced expression of superoxide dismutase(SOD),peroxidase(POD),and particularly betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase(BADH).BADH was discovered to be more sensitive to salt stress and played an important role in the salt stress tolerance of quinoa seedlings,particularly at high NaCl concentrations,as it displayed upregulation until 24 h under 100 mM salt treatment.Moreover,it showed upregulation until 12 h under 250 mM salt stress.Taken together,these results suggest that BADH played an essential role in the salt-tolerance mechanism of quinoa.Based on the expression level and prompt response induced by NaCl,we suggest that the BADH can be considered as a molecular marker for screening salt-tolerant quinoa germplasm at the early stages of crop development.Salt treatment at different plant ontogeny or at different concentrations had a significant impact on quinoa growth.Therefore,an appropriate treatment approach needs to be chosen rationally in the process of screening salt-tolerant quinoa germplasm,which is useful to the utilization of saline soils.Our study provides a fundamental information to deepen knowledge of the salt tolerance mechanism of quinoa for the development of salt-tolerant germplasm in crop breeding programs.

Physiological and transcriptome analyses provide new insights into the mechanism mediating the enhanced tolerance of melatonin-treated rhododendron plants to heat stress

Rhododendron is a well-known genus consisting of commercially valuable ornamental woody plant species.Heat stress is a major environmental factor that affects rhododendron growth.Melatonin was recently reported to alleviate the effects of abiotic stress on plants.However,the role of melatonin in rhododendron plants is unknown.In this study,the effect of melatonin on rhododendron plants exposed to heat stress and the potential underlying mechanism were investigated.Analyses of morphological characteristics and chlorophyll a fluorescence indicated 200μmol L–1 was the optimal melatonin concentration for protecting rhododendron plants from heat stress.To elucidate how melatonin limits the adverse effects of high temperatures,melatonin contents,photosynthetic indices,Rubisco activity,and adenosine triphosphate(ATP)contents were analyzed at 25,35,and 40℃,respectively.Compared with the control,exogenous application of melatonin improved the melatonin contents,electron transport rate,photosystem II and I activities,Rubisco activity,and ATP contents under heat stress.The transcriptome analysis revealed many of the heat-induced differentially expressed genes were associated with the photosynthetic pathway;the expression of most of these genes was down-regulated by heat stress more in the melatonin-free plants than in the melatonin-treated plants.We identified Rh PGR5A,Rh ATPB,Rh LHCB3,and Rh Rbs A as key genes.Thus,we speculate that melatonin promotes photosynthetic electron transport,improves Calvin cycle enzyme activities,and increases ATP production.These changes lead to increased photosynthetic efficiency and CO_(2) assimilation under heat stress conditions via the regulated expression of specific genes,including Rh Rbs A.Therefore,the application of exogenous melatonin may increase the tolerance of rhododendron to heat stress.

Salt stress responses in foxtail millet:Physiological and molecular regulation

Foxtail millet(Setaria italica L.),a member of the Paniceae family,is a temperate and tropical grass species that is widely cultivated on the Eurasian continent.It is Chinese in origin and possesses a small genome,short growth cycle,and strong natural abiotic stress resistance.Elucidating the mechanism of millet tolerance to salt stress is becoming increasingly important with increasing soil salinization limiting crop productivity.The responses and mechanisms of tolerance to salt stress from other model plants such as Arabidopsis and rice,were compared with those from foxtail millet to summarize current research on responses to salt stress.Numerous processes are involved in these processes,including physiological reactions,sensing,signaling,and control at the transcriptional,post-transcriptional,and epigenetic levels.To increase crop productivity and agricultural sustainability,a variety of technologies can be used to investigate how salt tolerance is mediated by physiological and molecular processes in foxtail millet.

Dopamine alleviates cadmium stress in apple trees by recruiting beneficial microorganisms to enhance the physiological resilience revealed by high-throughput sequencing and soil metabolomics

Dopamine has demonstrated promise as a stress-relief substance.However,the function of dopamine in Cd tolerance and its mechanism remains largely unknown.The current study was performed to investigate the mechanism of dopamine on alleviating apple Cd stress through regular application of CdCl2 and dopamine solution to potting soil.The results indicated that dopamine significantly reduced reactive oxygen species(ROS)and Cd accumulation and alleviated the inhibitory effect of Cd stress on the growth of apple plants through activation of the antioxidant system,enhancement of photosynthetic capacity,and regulation of gene expression related to Cd absorption and detoxification.The richness of the rhizosphere microbial community increased,and community composition and assembly were affected by dopamine treatment.Network analysis of microbial communities showed that the numbers of nodes and total links increased significantly after dopamine treatment,while the keystone species shifted.Linear discriminant analysis effect size indicated that some biomarkers were significantly enriched after dopamine treatment,suggesting that dopamine induced plants to recruit potentially beneficial microorganisms(Pseudoxanthomonas,Aeromicrobium,Bradyrhizobium,Frankia,Saccharimonadales,Novosphingobium,and Streptomyces)to resist Cd stress.The co-occurrence network showed several metabolites that were positively correlated with relative growth rate and negatively correlated with Cd accumulation,suggesting that potentially beneficial microorganisms may be attracted by several metabolites(L-threonic acid,profenamine,juniperic acid and(3β,5ξ,9ξ)-3,6,19-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid).Our results demonstrate that dopamine alleviates Cd stress in apple trees by recruiting beneficial microorganisms to enhance the physiological resilience revealed.This study provides an effective means to reduce the harm to agricultural production caused by heavy metals.

Effects of Antimony Stress on Root Growth,Antimony Accumulation and Physiological Characteristics of Ramie(Boehmeria nivea(L.) Gaudich.)

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the toxicity of heavy metal antimony(Sb) to ramie(Boehmeria nivea(L.) Gaudich.) and the tolerance response in ramie. [Methods] A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of Sb stress on root growth and Sb accumulation and transport of the root system of cultivated ramie Zhongzhu No.1, as well as on the physiological characteristics of ramie leaves. [Results] The plant height and root dry weight and volume of Zhongzhu No.1 showed an effect of "promoting at low concentrations and inhibiting at high concentrations" with the increase of Sb concentration, and decreased significantly at the concentration of 4 000 mg/kg, but no obvious toxic growth symptoms were observed. The content of Sb in roots(289.7-508.6 mg/kg) and the root-shoot transfer factor(0.09-0.57) of Zhongzhu No.1 increased with the increase of soil Sb concentration, but the change of Sb bioconcentration factor in roots was opposite, indicating that high concentrations of Sb in soil could promote the absorption of Sb in roots and the transport of Sb to the aboveground part, but the Sb enrichment capacity of roots was relatively reduced with the increase of soil Sb. Sb stress had a certain impact on the physiological characteristics of ramie leaves. With the increase of Sb treatment concentration, MDA, POD and SOD showed a change trend of "first increasing and then decreasing", while CAT gradually increased, indicating that Sb stress caused changes in the physiological characteristics of ramie leaves, thereby affecting plant growth and development. [Conclusions] This study provides a theoretical basis for ecological restoration of ramie in mining areas.

Effect of group size and regrouping on physiological stress and behavior of dairy calves

Mixing or regrouping of calves from different pens is a common animal management practice on the farm, which frequently occurs after weaning and has a negative effect on calve welfare. Social integration before regrouping may relieve stresses, but more evidences are needed to verify this hypothesis. The present study aimed to investigate acute physiological and behavioral variations of individually-or group-housed calves after being introduced into a mixed group. A total of 132 postnatal calves were randomly divided into groups of 1, 3, 6 and 12 animals(S, G3, G6, and G12;6 replicates in each group) until 59 days of age. At 60 days of age, every two replicates from different groups(S, G3, G6 and G12)were introduced in a larger pen which containing 44 of the aboved experimental calves. Before and after regrouping,physiological parameters of stress, including heart rate(HR), saliva cortisol(S-CORT), saliva secretory immunoglobulin A(SIgA), interleukin-2(IL-2), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels, and behavioral responses were recorded. After regrouping, HR and S-CORT increased immediately(P<0.05), and higher(P<0.05) levels of such molecules were found in S calves compared to those in group-housed calves. Levels of SIgA and IL-2 were decreased(P<0.05), and the lowest(P<0.05) IL-2 values were found in S calves compared to those in group-housed calves. In addition, the introduced calves displayed a distinct behavior, including altered active and rest time, which was associated with negative emotions triggered by the novel surroundings. Allogrooming, play, exploration behaviors and lying time were increased significantly(P<0.05) in group-housed calves than those in S calves. Conversely, self-grooming, aggressive behaviors, standing and walking time were increased(P<0.05) in S calves than those in group-housed calves. These findings suggest that individually-housed calves may be more susceptible to stressors arising from regrouping than grouphoused calves, which consequently negatively affected behavioral and neuroendocrine responses. Furthermore, moving calves with previous social experience may help mitigate regrouping stress.

Physiological Resilience of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) Genotypes to Intermittent Periods of Drought Stress at Different Growth Stages

Different genotypes of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) grow well under conducive environmental conditions, provided that adequate soil moisture is available during vegetative and reproductive phases. However, drought stress is the major limiting factor to bambara production, which accounts for up to 40% of yield losses. This situation could worsen due to drastic and rapid changes in the global climate. Landraces grown by farmers are low-yielding. Understanding the physiological response of different genotypes to drought stress is key to achieving food security through crop improvement and diversification. This study focused on variations in the response of Bambara groundnut genotypes to intermittent drought stress during the crop’s critical growth (vegetative and reproductive) stages. The experiment was undertaken at CSIR-Crops Research Institute Screen-house. The treatments were used in a factorial experiment with three replications in a randomized complete block design. The Bambara genotypes showed considerable variability in tolerance to drought stress. Drought stress during vegetative and reproductive stages significantly reduced crop growth indices, the leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content and leaf area. Drought stress during vegetative and reproductive stages had a more severe impact on the seed yield of genotype Nav Red, reducing it by 69% and 13%, respectively. Farmers should pay more attention to adopting drought-tolerant and high-yielding varieties for improved Bambara groundnut productivity and livelihoods.

Morphological and physiological responses to drought stress of carob trees in Mediterranean ecosystems

The greatest failure rate of reforestation programs is basically related to water deficit,especially at the seedling stage.Therefore,the main objective of this work is to investigate the responses of three accessions of carob trees(Ceratonia siliqua L.)with 2-year-old from different climate regions to drought generated by four water treatments:Tc(250 mm),T1(180 mm),T2(100 mm),and T3(50 mm).The first accession(A1)comes from the protected national park of Ichkeul in northern Tunisia.This zone belongs to the bioclimatic sub-humid stage.The second accession(A2)comes from Melloulech,located in the center-east of Tunisia,belonging to the bioclimatic semi-arid stage.The third accession(A3)comes from the mountain of Matmata,located in the south of Tunisia,belonging to the bioclimatic hyper-arid stage.The experiment was undertaken in a greenhouse.Gaz exchange indices(net photosynthesis(A),stomatal conductance(gs),transpiration rate(E),and internal CO_(2) concentration(Ci))were determined.Predawn(Ψpd)and midday(Ψmd)leaf water potentials,relative soil water content(SWC),and morphological parameters(plant height(H),number of leaves(NL),number of leaflets(Nl),and number of branches(NB))were estimated.The results showed that significant differences(P<0.001)were found between physiological and morphological parameters of each accession.The highest growth potential was recorded for Tc treatment in both accessions A1 and A2.Significant decreases in gs,E,Ci,and SWC were recorded with the increases in water stress applied from treatment T1 to T3.Positive and significant correlations were found between SWC andΨpd for all studied accessions.Ψpd andΨmd decreased as water stress increased,ranging from–0.96 to–1.50 MPa at sunrise and from–1.94 to–2.83 MPa at midday,respectively,under control and T3 treatments.C.siliqua accessions responded to drought through exhibiting significant changes in their physiological and morphological behavior.Both accessions A1 and A2 showed greater drought tolerance than accession A3.These seedlings exhibit different adaptive mechanisms such as stress avoidance,which are aimed at reducing transpiration,limiting leaf growth,and increasing root growth to exploit more soil water.Therefore,C.siliqua can be recommended for the ecological restoration in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Physiological Effects of Alkaline Stress on Seedlings of Lonicera caerulea L.

[Objectives]This study was conducted to clarify the saline-alkali tolerance in seedlings of Lonicera caerulea L.[Methods]The L.caerulea seedling variety,Lanjingling,was used as the test material,and alkaline solution(NaHCO 3)with different concentration gradients was used for stress treatment to observe physiological effects on L.caerulea seedlings.[Results]L.caerulea seedlings were most affected by alkaline stress at a treatment concentration of 100 mmol/L,and their osmotic substances(proline,soluble sugar,soluble protein)and antioxidant enzymes(CAT,SOD and POD)were higher in content at a concentration of 100 mmol/L compared with the alkaline stresses in this range.The contents were generally higher,and even in the detection of proline,soluble sugar,SOD and POD,the contents of these substances and enzymes reached a peak at 100 mmol/L.The contents of soluble sugar,CAT,SOD,POD and malondialdehyde were generally higher than that of the control check(CK),and the contents of proline and soluble protein in each treatment concentration were generally higher than that of the CK.[Conclusions]The metabolic physiology of L.caerulea seedlings has a certain adaptability to alkaline stress.

Physiological and molecular responses to cold stress in rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)

Low temperature is one of the most important abiotic factors inhibiting growth, productivity, and distribution of rapeseed(Brassica napus L.). Therefore, it is important to identify and cultivate cold-tolerant germplasm. The objective of this study was to figure out the mechanism of chilling(4 and 2°C) and freezing(–2 and –4°C) stresses along with a control(22°C) in B. napus cultivars(1801 and C20) under controlled environment(growth chamber). The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized design with three replications. Our results exhibited that under chilling and freezing stresses, the increment of proline accumulation, soluble sugar and protein contents, and antioxidant enzyme activity were enhanced more in 1801 cultivar compared with C20 cultivar. At –2 and –4°C, the seedlings of C20 cultivar died completely compared with 1801 cultivar. Hydrogen peroxide(H2 O2) and malondialdehyde contents(MDA) increased in both cultivars, but when the temperature was decreased up to –2 and –4°C, the MDA and H2 O2 contents continuously dropped in 1801 cultivar. Moreover, we found that leaf abscisic acid(ABA) was enhanced in 1801 cultivar under chilling and freezing stresses. Additionally, the transcriptional regulations of cold-tolerant genes(COLD1, CBF4, COR6.6, COR15, and COR25) were also determined using real-time quantitative PCR(RT-q PCR). RT-q PCR showed that higher expression of these genes were found in 1801 as compared to C20 under cold stress(chilling and freezing stresses). Therefore, it is concluded from this experiment that 1801 cultivar has a higher ability to respond to cold stress(chilling and freezing stresses) by maintaining hormonal, antioxidative, and osmotic activity along with gene transcription process than C20. The result of this study will provide a solid foundation for understanding physiological and molecular mechanisms of cold stress signaling in rapeseed(B. napus).

Growth and physiological responses of Agriophyllum squarrosum to sand burial stress

Agriophyllum squarrosum is an annual desert plant widely distributed on mobile and semi-mobile dunes in all the sandy deserts of China. We studied the growth and physiological properties of A. squarrosum seedlings under different sand burial depths in 2010 and 2011 at Horqin Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia to understand the ability and mechanism that A. squarrosum withstands sand burial. The results showed that A. squarrosum had a strong ability to withstand sand burial. Its survival rate, plant height and biomass increased significantly at a burial depth 25% of seedling height and decreased significantly only when the burial depth exceeded the height of the seedlings; some plants still survived even if the burial depth reached 266% of a seedling height. The malondialdehyde （MDA） content and membrane permeability of the plant did not change significantly as long as the burial depth was not greater than the seedling height; lipid peroxidation increased and cell membranes were damaged if the burial depth was increased further. When subjected to sand burial stress, superoxide dismutase （SOD） and peroxidase （POD） activities and free proline content increased in the seedlings, while the catalase （CAT） activity and soluble sugar content decreased. Sand burial did not lead to water stress. Reductions in photosynthetic area and cell membrane damage caused by sand burial may be the major mechanisms increasing mortality and inhibiting growth of the seedling. But the increases in SOD and POD activities and proline content must play a certain role in reducing sand burial damage.

Growth and Eco-Physiological Performance of Cotton Under Water Stress Conditions

A cotton cultivar Xinluzao 8 was grown under four levels of water stress treatments （normal irrigation, slight, mild and severe water stress） from the initial reproductive growth stage in Shihezi, Xinjiang, China, in 2002, to evaluate the growth and eco-physiological performances. Under water stress conditions, the transpiration ability decreased while the leaf temperature increased. Although the relative leaf water content decreased as water stress increased, the differences among the treatments were small, indicating that cotton has high ability in maintaining water in leaf. The stomatal density increased as water stress increased, while the maximum stomatal aperture reduced only in the severest stressed plants. The time of the maximum stomatal aperture was delayed in the mild and severe stressed plants. When severe stress occurred, the stomata were kept open until the transpiration decreased to nearly zero, suggesting that the stomata might not be the main factor in adjusting transpiration in cotton. Cotton plant has high adaptation ability to water stress conditions because of decrease in both stomatal conductance and hydraulic conductance from soil-to-leaf pathway. The actual quantum yield of photosystem Ⅱ （PS Ⅱ） decreased under water stress conditions, while the maximum quantum yield of PS Ⅱ did not vary among treatments, suggesting that PS II would not be damaged by water stress. The total dry weight reduced as water stress increased.

Effects of Phosphate Fertilizer on Cold Tolerance and Its Related Physiological Parameters in Rice Under Low Temperature Stress

The study was designated to explore the physiological mechanism of cold tolerance enhanced by phosphate in rice. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of phosphate fertilizer on cold tolerance and its related physiological parameters in rice seedings （chilling-sensitive cv. Changbai 9 and chilling-tolerant cv. Jijing 81） under low temperature stress. At the same time, the identification of cold tolerance was conducted. Compared with the normal temperature treatment, the relative chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, Fv/Fm and qP decreased and index of unsaturated fatty acid increased in rice under low temperature stress. The effect of chilling-sensitive cultivars was more than that of chilling-tolerant cultivars, more phosphorus fertilizer properly improved seedling quality of rice, slowed relative chlorophyll content dropping degree of rice seeding, increased photosynthesis rate, Fv/Fm, qP and index of unsaturated fatty acids, and enhanced the ability to chilling-tolerant cultivars under low temperature. The effect on chilling-tolerant cultivars was significantly higher than that on chilling sensitive cultivars by applying more phosphorus fertilizer. Phosphate regulated photosynthetic physiology and membrane fluidity to reduce injury by low temperature, and increasd the cold tolerance capacity of rice.

Effects of Paclobutrazol on Physiological Parameters of Dahlia under Heat Stress

[Objectives] This study was conducted to investigate the effect of paclobutrazol （PBZ） on heat tolerance of dahlia.[Methods] A dahlia variety Danbanhuang was selected as the experimental material in this study. After 100, 200, 300 or 400 mg/L paclobutrazol was sprayed evenly to the leaves of dahlia seedlings, they were cultured in an incubator at high temperature （35 ℃/30 ℃, day/night） for two days, and then transferred to an incubator at normal temperature （25 ℃/20 ℃, day/night）. The physiological and biochemical parameters of the dahlia seedlings were measured before exposure to high temperature （D0）, after exposure to high temperature for two days （D2） and exposure to normal temperature for one day （R1）.[Results] Compared to the negative control, foliar application of paclobutrazol decreased the content of MDA, increased the contents of chlorophyll, proline, soluble protein, and the activity of SOD, POD and CAT in dahlia plants under heat stress. The contents of MDA, soluble protein and proline in PBZ treated dahlia plants increased when they were subject to high temperature stress （35 ℃/30 ℃, day/night）, and then decreased when the temperature returned to normal （25 ℃/20 ℃, day/night）, and CAT activity decreased at high temperature, and then increased at normal temperature, while the activity of SOD and POD kept rising during the entire experimental period.[Conclusions] Foliar application of paclobutrazol can alleviate the adverse effect caused by high temperature to dahlia plants, and the experimental data provide a theoretical basis for the application of paclobutrazol in dahlia cultivation in South China.

Changes in Several Physiological and Biochemical Indices of Maize Seedling Roots Caused by Drought Stress

The changes in several physiological and biochemical indices of seedling roots of new maize variety Qingnong 8 were studied under the simulated drought condition with 18% PEG-6000 and water shortage. The results showed that under drought conditions, the contents of soluble protein and malonialdehy （MDA） and the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and peroxidase （POD） in roots of maize seedlings significantly increased, and the increasing amplitude reduced after water shortage for 96 h. The re-watering treatment results after 48 h water shortage showed that the SOD and POD activities and the MDA content could recover to normal level, and the soluble protein content was lower than normal content. This study showed that the maize seedlings of Qingnong 8 suffered drought injury could grow normally after re-watering treatment.

Size-and leaf age-dependent effects on the photosynthetic and physiological responses of Artemisia ordosica to drought stress

Drought is one of the most significant natural disasters in the arid and semi-arid areas of China.Populations or plant organs often differ in their responses to drought and other adversities at different growth stages.At present,little is known about the size-and leaf age-dependent differences in the mechanisms of shrub-related drought resistance in the deserts of China.Here,we evaluated the photosynthetic and physiological responses of Artemisia ordosica Krasch.to drought stress using a field experiment in Mu Us Sandy Land,Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,China in 2018.Rainfall was manipulated by installing outdoor shelters,with four rainfall treatments applied to 12 plots(5 m×5 m).There were four rainfall levels,including a control and rainfall reductions of 30%,50%and 70%,each with three replications.Taking individual crown size as the dividing basis,we measured the responses of A.ordosica photosynthetic and physiological responses to drought at different growth stages,i.e.,large-sized(>0.5 m^(2))and small-sized(≤0.5 m^(2))plants.The leaves of A.ordosica were divided into old leaves and young leaves for separate measurement.Results showed that:(1)under drought stress,the transfer efficiency of light energy captured by antenna pigments to the photosystem II(PSII)reaction center decreased,and the heat dissipation capacity increased simultaneously.To resist the photosynthetic system damage caused by drought,A.ordosica enhanced its free radical scavenging capacity by activating its antioxidant enzyme system;and(2)growth stage and leaf age had effects on the reaction of the photosynthetic system to drought.Small A.ordosica plants could not withstand severe drought stress(70%rainfall reduction),whereas large A.ordosica individuals could absorb deep soil water to ensure their survival in severe drought stressed condition.Under 30%and 50%rainfall reduction conditions,young leaves had a greater ability to resist drought than old leaves,whereas the latter were more resistant to severe drought stress.The response of A.ordosica photosynthetic system reflected the trade-off at different growth stages and leaf ages of photosynthetic production under different degrees of drought.This study provides a more comprehensive and systematic perspective for understanding the drought resistance mechanisms of desert plants.

Effects of 1-aminobenzotriazole on the growth and physiological characteristics of Tamarix chinensis cuttings under salt stress

vegetation restoration is a main ecological remediation technology for greening saline and alkaline soils.The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of1-aminobenzotriazole(ABT-1) on the growth and physiology of Tamarix chinensis under salt stress and to determine a suitable ABT-1 concentration and soil salinity(Sc) for propagating T.chihehsis-cuttings.Cuttings were soaked in water and ABT-1 solutions at three concentrations(50,100,and 200 mg L^(-1)) and propagated in pots containing four soil salinity levels,mild(0.3%),moderate(0.6%),and severe(0.9% and 1.2%),and compared with a control.The cuttings were measured to determine growth indices and physiological and biochemical indices(e.g.,chlorophyll content,superoxide dismutase activity,peroxidase activity,and malondialdehyde content).ABT-1 was effective in improving survival,growth,and physiological processes of cuttings under salt stress.However,there was a threshold effect when using ABT-1 to facilitate propagation under salt stress.ABT-1 effects were insignificant when applied at low concentrations(<100 mg L^(-1)).At a high concentration(> 100 mg L^(-1)),ABT-1 limited growth and physiological activities.Under a salt stress level(Sc ≤0.9%),ABT applied at a 100 mg L^(-1)concentration increased chlorophyll content and superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities in the leaves and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation and membrane lipid peroxidation effects.As a result,ABT-1 enhanced the resistance of T.chinensis to salt stress.However,under high salt stress(>0.9%) and ABT-1 concentration(> 100 mg L^(-1)),the physiological regulatory ability of T.chinensis seedlings weakened.T.chinensis grew well at a salt stress ≤0.9% and ABT ≤100 mg L^(-1) and exhibited relatively high physiological regulatory ability and high salt adaptability.

Physiological and anatomical changes in two rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genotypes under drought stress conditions

Understanding the mechanisms of drought resistance in crop species is crucial for the selection and breeding of tolerant rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)varieties.The present study aimed to assess the physiological and anatomical responses of two rapeseed genotypes,P287(drought-tolerant)and T88(drought-sensitive)under three intensities of drought stress.All physiological and anatomical parameters related to drought acclimation were significantly altered in both genotypes under stress conditions.At the fourth-leaf stage,the relative water content,chlorophyll content,protein content,malondialdehyde content,and the activities of peroxidase and catalase in P287 were significantly higher than those in T88,particularly under severe drought conditions.After rehydration,all physiological indexes recovered rapidly,especially in P287.In addition,under drought stress,compared with T88,P287 had thicker palisade tissue,thinner spongy tissue,higher ratio of chloroplast length to chloroplast width,higher stomatal density and stomatal closure rate.Overall,the interaction between physiological and anatomical features improved the drought tolerance of P287 under drought stress conditions.