What is drought tolerance in crop plants?
DT refers to the ability of plants to sustain a certain level of physiological activities under severe drought conditions through regulating a number of genes and metabolic pathways to reduce or restore the occurring stress damage [15]. In botany, drought tolerance is the ability by which a plant maintains its biomass production during arid or drought conditions. Some plants are naturally adapted to dry conditions, surviving with protection mechanisms such as desiccation tolerance, detoxification, or repair of xylem embolism.Choosing plants for a drought prone garden The Pyracantha, Elaeagnus and Yucca have glossy foliage which reduces moisture loss through the leaf surface. Small waxy leaves such as those on the Genista are also adapted to reduce moisture loss.Drought resistance or tolerance is a broader term applied to plant species with adaptive features that enable them to escape, avoid, or tolerate drought stress (Levitt, 1980). Drought escape is the capability of the plant to complete its life cycle before onset of drought stress.Among other relevant traits, two key traits proposed to influence tree responses to drought are cavitation resistance and the stringency of stomatal control (McDowell et al. Schnabel et al.Drought-tolerant genotypes resist dehydration through osmotic adjustment, which helps maintain cell turgor [20]. One of the key adaptative mechanisms in response to water deficits is the accumulation of solutes in the cells.
What does it mean for a plant to be drought-tolerant?
Drought tolerance refers to a plant’s ability to survive during drought. Some plants are even “drought resistant”, meaning that they can survive long periods with no water at all (such as a cactus). drought tolerant plants still need some water and are simply considered to be “low water” plants. Drought avoidance helps plants maintain high water status during periods of stress by enhancing water absorption or/and reducing evapotranspiration, while drought tolerance means plants maintain turgor and continue metabolism in cells even at low water potential, mainly by protoplasmic tolerance, synthesis of osmolytes .In general, plant response to water deprivation may include drought avoidance (e.Some plants are even “drought resistant”, meaning that they can survive long periods with no water at all (such as a cactus). Drought tolerant plants still need some water and are simply considered to be “low water” plants.
How to measure drought tolerance in plants?
Leaf area and photosynthetic rate are important growth indicators and can be used to monitor drought [80]. Assessing photosynthetic rate is quicker and a non-invasive technique, unlike biomass or leaf area measurements. More specifically, drought is defined by a period of unusually dry weather caused by low rainfall and high temperatures. It is also defined in terms of the impact on agriculture when crops fail due to lack of moisture in soil, leading to food shortages and serious human impacts such as famine in severe cases.Drought monitoring involves observing indicators and indices that evaluate changes in a region’s hydrological cycle. Indicators, which are used to describe drought conditions, are variables such as precipitation, temperature, streamflow, ground and reservoir water levels, soil moisture, and snowpack.
What is the difference between drought tolerance and drought resistance?
Summary: Drought-resistance is when plants can survive without water for long periods of time. Plant examples are juniper, agave, or rock cress. Drought-tolerance is when plants can sustain low water levels for a few weeks to a month. Drought tolerance refers to the ability of plants and animals to survive and adapt during periods of low precipitation, which leads to water shortages. Various species, including xerophytes like cacti and succulents, have evolved adaptations to thrive in arid conditions.
What is another word for drought tolerance?
Additional terms for drought-tolerant include water-smart, water-conservation, dry garden, dry landscape, and desert landscaping. Drought-resistant. Depending upon how severe the conditions get and how long they last, drought can devastate crops, dry out forests, reduce food and water available for wildlife and livestock, restrict recreational activities, and stress businesses and economies.The first evidence of drought is usually seen in records of rainfall. Within a short period of time, the amount of moisture in soils can begin to decrease. The effects of a drought on flow in streams and reservoirs may not be noticed for several weeks or months.The Short Answer A drought is caused by drier than normal conditions that can eventually lead to water supply problems. Really hot temperatures can make a drought worse by evaporating moisture from the soil.The many different drought impacts are often grouped as “economic,” “environmental,” and “social” impacts. All of these impacts must be considered in planning for and responding to drought conditions.