Abstract
The irrigation method of partial root-zone drying (PRD) is based on drought stimulation without real water stress in order to induce xerophytophysiological signalling and regulations. In the present study, a series of measurements with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crops were conducted to understand the mechanisms underlying PRD. The results showed that PRD-induced osmotic adjustment shown by lower osmotic potential and higher turgor potential in fully turgid leaves and higher symplastic water fraction in cells. The PRD-induced osmotic adjustment was also confirmed by the active accumulation of osmolytes such as free proline, soluble sugars and soluble proteins. In PRD-treated potato plants, turgor maintenance by osmotic adjustment ensured improvements in photosynthetic activities, plant growth and final tuber yield. One of the signal substances, superoxide (O2−), was increased by PRD but soon eliminated by superoxide dismutase (SOD), which was activated by PRD along with catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). As one of the stress-responsive genes, the aquaporin gene RD28 was upregulated by PRD and might explain the improved physiological activities associated with the abovementioned xerophytophysiological regulations.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
