Architectural plasticity, photosynthesis and growth responses of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus) plants to water stress in a semi-arid environment

作者：Karkanis Anestis^*; Bilalis Dimitrios; Efthimiadou Aspasia

来源：Australian Journal of Crop Science, 2011, 5(4): 369-374.

• Dry weight
• photosynthetic rate
• plasticity
• stomatal conductance
• velvetleaf
• water stress
• water use efficiency

Plasticity of the phenotypic architecture, growth and photosynthesis of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus) was studied in response to water stress. A two-year experiment with three irrigation regimes was carried out in a completely randomized design with four replications. Plants were subjected to three moisture levels: water stress, slight water stress and well-watered. Water stress reduced dry weight of velvetleaf plants. However, root growth was not affected by water stress. Physiological characteristics were significantly influenced by water stress. The highest water-use efficiency, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rates were found in well-watered plants. Velvetleaf plants flowered early under water stress conditions, whereas plants under well-watered conditions delayed flowering to allocate more biomass to vegetative growth. Finally, our results demonstrate that the leaf angle in velvetleaf is plastic and sensitive to unstable availability of water. This mechanism enables velvetleaf plants to keep leaf temperature at logical levels.

• 出版日期2011-4