Morphophysiological responses of black pepper to recurrent water deficit.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of recurrent water deficit on drought tolerance traits in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) 'Bragantina'. Plants were subjected to three cycles of water deficit followed by recovery periods. Water deficit reduced stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, transpiration, and water potential while increasing water-use efficiency. In addition, intercellular CO₂ concentration, leaf temperature, root starch, and adaptive morphological characteristics in leaves and roots increased. Despite these adaptations, plants did not recover vegetative growth after rehydration. The primary tolerance mechanisms observed included increased abaxial epidermis thickness, stomatal density, fine roots, periderm thickness, and starch accumulation in roots. Although gas

SUBMITTER: Ferreira TR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11622609 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature