Abstract Detail

Ecophysiology

Hilt , Christina J [1], Maricle, Brian [2].

Physiological responses of grasses to drought and flooding treatments.

Tolerance of drought and flooding varies widely among plant species. Knowledge of how water availability influences photosynthesis and water relations is of particular importance for plant production in the context of impending climate change. In this study, effects of drought and flooding were investigated in greenhouse treatments for eight species of grass, including a range of drought and flooding tolerance. Plants were measured for photosynthesis, chlorophyll, and water potential. It was hypothesized photosynthesis in drought tolerant species would be less affected by drought compared to more sensitive species. Similarly, it was hypothesized photosynthesis in flooding tolerant species would be less affected by flooding compared to more sensitive species. Plants were subjected to treatments of drought, control, and flooding for four weeks. Drought tolerant species were distinguishable from flooding tolerant species based on their responses to drought treatment. Flooding tolerant species were those that commonly had unchanged or increased photosynthesis under flooding, but significant decreases in photosynthesis and chlorophyll under drought. Drought tolerant species did not have reduced photosynthesis or chlorophyll under drought. By contrast, flooding had less effect on these parameters. Flooding tolerant species tended to have increased photosynthesis in flooding treatments, whereas drought tolerant species had unchanged photosynthesis under flooding. Knowledge of the relevant plant responses to drought and flooding could have implications for future climate scenarios with increased drought and flooding likely. Water stress is a clear problem with future climate scenarios, and understanding what a plant can tolerate will be of great value.

1 - Fort Hays State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 600 Park St, Hays , Kansas, 67601, USA
2 - Fort Hays State University, Department Of Biological Sciences, 600 Park St., Hays, KS, 67601-4099, USA

Keywords:
Photosynthesis
water potential
SPAD
drought tolerance
flooding tolerance.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Eyrie/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEP005
Abstract ID:224
Candidate for Awards:Physiological Section Best poster presentation,Physiological Section Physiological Section Li-COR Prize