Effect of water stress on some physiological characteristics of Haloxylon aphyllum

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Physiological response of Haloxylon aphyllum to drought stress was evaluated in Shahid Sadouqi desert research station of Yazd with geographical coordinate of 54, 11', 9" longitude and 32, 4', 30" latitude during 2001-2005. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with 3 replications was applied. After planting and establishment stages, the experimental treatments including pot capacity, one third capacity and non-irrigation were applied in weighing lysimeters. Experimental treatments were applied in the second year and then physiological characters including plant water potential, leaf osmotic potential and root osmotic potential were measured from late June until late September in 15 day intervals. To evaluate the interaction of environmental factors, such as temperature on physiological factors, the measurements were done just before sunrise and in the afternoon. Results showed that plant water potential, leaf osmotic potential and root water potential were sighnificantly (p<0/01) affected by the treatments. Recording date also affected significantly (p<0/01) the physiological traits. On the other hand, results showed that haloxylon drought resistance is partly related to low water potential in plant due to low leaf osmotic potential. Variation of osmotic potential along experimental period showed high osmotic adjustment capacity in plant.

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