Abstract
ABSTRACTWater regulation caused by enzymes, such as carbonic anhydrase (CA), changes the water status, making it difficult to diagnose water deficit using leaf water potential (ψL) or stomatal conductance (gs). Therefore, new methods for timely and accurately determining plant water status should be established. In this study, CA activity, ψL, leaf tensity (Td), photosynthetic characteristics and plant growth of Brassica napus L. seedlings under drought and subsequent rewatering were analysed. Results indicated that Td could reflect the plant water status better than ψL or gs and played an important role in the photosynthesis of B. napus. B. napus exhibited good restorability at the 40 g L−1 polyethylene glycol level. The rewatering strategy for B. napus was excellent at 40 g L−1 (−0.15 MPa) →20 g L−1 (−0.11 MPa). Td could be used for the rapid determination of water requirement information in B. napus during winter drought period.
Highlights
Rape is an important oil crop in China and other countries
Water regulation caused by enzymes, such as carbonic anhydrase (CA) in plants, prevented the reduction in ψL at 20 g L−1 poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) level
No further considerable decrease in Td at 80 g L−1 PEG level indicated that plasmolysis occurred and that the leaf cells were possibly damaged
Summary
Rape is an important oil crop in China and other countries. This crop is mainly planted in southern China and used as a material for edible oil extraction or feedstock for fuel extraction, offering great economic values (Bhardwaj et al 2015). In the karst regions of southwestern China, the hot and humid climate and widely developed karst environment are conducive for the formation of loam, which can be used to cultivate plants. Crop production is low and local economic development is impeded (Zhu 1997). Correct timing of B. napus irrigation helps to reduce agricultural irrigation costs and ensure good crop yield
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