Adjustments in photosynthesis and leaf water relations are related to changes in cell wall composition in Hordeum vulgare and Triticum aestivum subjected to water deficit stress

Abstract

In the current climate change scenario, understanding crops’ physiological performance under water shortage is crucial to overcome drought periods. Although the implication of leaf water relations maintaining leaf turgor and stomatal functioning under water deprivation has been suggested, the relationships between photosynthesis and osmotic and elastic adjustments remain misunderstood. Similarly, only few studies in dicotyledonous analysed how changes in cell wall composition affected photosynthesis and leaf water relations under drought. To induce modifications in photosynthesis, leaf water relations and cell wall composition, Hordeum vulgare and Triticum aestivum were subjected to different water regimes: control (CL, full irrigation), moderate and severe water deficit stress (Mod WS and Sev WS, respectively). Water shortage decreased photosynthesis mainly due to stomatal conductance (gs) declines, being accompanied by reduced osmotic potential at full turgor (πo) and increased bulk modulus of elasticity (ε). Whereas both species enhanced pectins when intensifying water deprivation, species-dependent adjustments occurred for cellulose and hemicelluloses. From these results, we showed that πo and ε influenced photosynthesis, particularly, gs. Furthermore, the (Cellulose+Hemicelluloses)/Pectins ratio determined ε and mesophyll conductance (gm) in grasses, presenting the lowest pectins content within angiosperms. Thus, we highlight the relevance of cell wall composition regulating grasses physiology during drought acclimation.