Physiological and Biochemical Effects of Exogenous Calcium on Camellia oleifera Abel under Drought Stress

Abstract

High temperature and drought are the main factors restricting the increase in Camellia oleifera Abel production that can seriously harm its physiological and biochemical functions. This study aimed to explore the effect by which Ca2+ enhances the drought resistance of C. oleifera. Four-year-old potted plants of the ‘Xianglin 210’ variety were treated with four levels of CaCl2 solution (0, 10, 20, and 40 mmol/L) and subjected to natural drought stress. The drought levels were categorized as CS (non-drought), LD (light drought), MD (moderate drought), and SD (severe drought). The effects of drought stress on the growth and physiological-biochemical characteristics of C. oleifera were measured. Under drought stress, spraying CaCl2 solution on leaves could significantly increase the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), endogenous hormone indoleacetic acid (IAA) content, abscisic acid (ABA) content, and gibberellic acid (GA) content in organs and tissues; enhance the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; and decrease the concentration of intercellular carbon dioxide (Ci) and number of dehiscence fruits. Spraying 10 mmol/L CaCl2 effectively alleviates the damage of drought stress to tung oil trees. The study provides references for alleviating drought stress and increasing economic benefits in C. oleifera production.