Trait variation and performance across varying levels of drought stress in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

ABSTRACT: Drought is a major agricultural challenge that is expected to worsen with climate change. A better understanding of drought responses has the potential to inform efforts to breed more tolerant plants. We assessed leaf trait variation and covariation in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in response to water limitation. Plants were grown under four levels of water availability and assessed for environmentally induced plasticity in leaf stomatal and vein traits as well as biomass (performance indicator), mass fractions, leaf area, leaf mass per area, and chlorophyll content. Overall, biomass declined in response to stress; these changes were accompanied by responses in leaf-level traits including decreased leaf area and stomatal size, and increased stomatal and vein density.

SUBMITTER: Earley AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11247526 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature