The effects of drought and subsequent rehydration on the structure and vitality of Zea mays seedling roots

Abstract

Drought was induced in Turface and vermiculite-grown seedlings of Zea mays L. by withholding water. Despite a 34-day drought period, the roots of stressed plants increased in dry weight by continued elongation of existing roots and initiation of new roots. A differential response to desiccation, with respect to structure and cell vitality, was observed along the root axes. In apical regions (terminal 20 mm) of seminal roots, all cell layers typically remained alive. In midlength regions (half way between the apex and base), the epidermis died in both control and treatment plants. The cortex of control roots displayed some distortion, but most of the cells were alive; the cortex of stressed roots displayed severe collapse and death of the majority of these cells. In basal regions (20 mm distal to the kernel), cells of the outer cortex were sclerified and less susceptible to collapse. Cells of stelar tissues retained their normal shapes and vitality. Upon rehydration, the root systems of stressed plants resumed growth by elongation of existing seminal, adventitious, and lateral roots and, in some cases, also by emergence of previously dormant lateral root primordia. The root systems' capacity for recovery diminished with increasing stress. Key words: drought, roots, Zea mays L., exodermis, hypodermis.