Abstract
The effect of plant population density (PPD) and root-induced leaf cytokinin on the compensatory growth of potted corn seedlings during post-drought rewatering was investigated. The study design comprised four treatments: (1) wetness with low PPD, (2) wetness with high PPD, (3) rewatering with low PPD, and (4) rewatering with high PPD. Results showed that drought stress restrained the growth of corns. By contrast, rewatering enhanced the net photosynthetic rate and growth of corns. During the 8 days of rewatering, compensatory growth during post-drought rewatering occurred in corns with high PPD; however, such compensatory growth did not occur in corns with low PPD. Zeatin riboside concentrations in leaves and xylem saps were significantly higher under rewatering treatment than those under wet treatment. High leaf cytokinin concentration accelerated corn growth. The coefficients of variation and Gini-coefficient of wet treatment were significantly higher than those of rewatering treatment under high PPD, demonstrating that intense intraspecific competition occurred in the wet treatment. Extreme intraspecific competition negatively affected net photosynthetic rate. In brief, the interactions between root-induced leaf cytokinin and weak intraspecific competition promoted the compensatory growth under high PPD.
Highlights
Plant compensatory growth theory during post-drought rewatering underlies the extensive application of water-saving agriculture techniques, which mostly involve regulated deficit irrigation, deficit irrigation technologies, and dryland agriculture [1,2,3,4,5]
We investigated the effect of intensity of intraspecific competition and root-induced leaf cytokinin on the photosynthetic rate of corns planted at different population density (PPD)
Compensatory growth during post-drought rewatering occurred in corn with high PPD during the 8 days of rewatering, but no compensatory growth was observed in corn with low PPD
Summary
Plant compensatory growth theory during post-drought rewatering underlies the extensive application of water-saving agriculture techniques, which mostly involve regulated deficit irrigation, deficit irrigation technologies, and dryland agriculture [1,2,3,4,5]. Compensatory growth is defined as the increase in plant growth rate in response to water availability after drought. The mechanism of compensatory growth during post-drought rewatering has been investigated in numerous crops, including maize, wheat, Kentucky bluegrass, and cotton [6,7,8,9]. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, fertiliser use, anti-aging properties, and other attributes. Intraspecific competition and compensatory growth in corn after post-drought rewatering. Henan University of Science and Technology (13660001) to XGH.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
