Differences in mucilage properties and stomatal sensitivity of locally adapted Zea mays in relation with precipitation seasonality and vapour pressure deficit regime of their native environment.

ABSTRACT: With ongoing climate change and the increase in extreme weather events, especially droughts, the challenge of maintaining food security is becoming ever greater. Locally adapted landraces of crops represent a valuable source of adaptation to stressful environments. In the light of future droughts-both by altered soil water supply and increasing atmospheric water demand (vapor pressure deficit [VPD])-plants need to improve their water efficiency. To do so, plants can enhance their access to soil water by improving rhizosphere hydraulic conductivity via the exudation of mucilage. Furthermore, plants can reduce transpirational water loss via stomatal regulation. Although the role of mucilage and stomata regulation on plant water management have been extensively studied, little is known about

SUBMITTER: Berauer BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10435965 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature