Salicaceae Endophytes Modulate Stomatal Behavior and Increase Water Use Efficiency in Rice.

ABSTRACT: Bacterial and yeast endophytes isolated from the Salicaceae family have been shown to promote growth and alleviate stress in plants from different taxa. To determine the physiological pathways through which endophytes affect plant water relations, we investigated leaf water potential, whole-plant water use, and stomatal responses of rice plants to Salicaceae endophyte inoculation under CO₂ enrichment and water deficit. Daytime stomatal conductance and stomatal density were lower in inoculated plants compared to controls. Leaf ABA concentrations increased with endophyte inoculation. As a result, transpirational water use decreased significantly with endophyte inoculation while biomass did not change or slightly increased. This response led to a significant increase in cumulative

SUBMITTER: Rho H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5840156 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature