Effects of water stress and rewatering on photosynthesis, root activity, and yield of cotton with drip irrigation under mulch

• DOI: 10.1007/s11099-015-0165-7
• Publication Date: 2015-08-07T15:14:16Z
• Authors: H. H. Luo; Y. L. Zhang; W. F. Zhang
• Keywords: Water Use Efficiency; Stomatal Conductance; Plant Physiology

Soil water deficit is a major limitation to agricultural productivity in arid regions. Leaf photosynthesis can quickly recover after rewatering and remains at higher level for longer period, thus increasing crop yield water-use efficiency (WUE). We tested our hypothesis that leaf root activity of water-stressed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants could certain growth stage it should not influence but increase WUE. Treatments this study included two degrees stress: mild stress (V1) moderate (V2) imposed one four stages [i.e., S1 (from the full budding early flowering stage), S2 flowering), S3 bolling), S4 bolling boll-opening)]. The soil content before was same as control treatment (CK, 70-75% field capacity). Water significantly reduced potential, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance cotton. extent decline greater S2V2 compared others. also activity, inhibition varied dependence on depth duration. When were subjected S1V1, 20-100 cm recovered rapidly even exceeded CK day rewatering. An overcompensation response observed both aboveground dry mass within three days Compared with CK, S1V1 showed no significant effect increased total WUE irrigation These results suggest short-term during S1, mitigated, respect negative drought enhanced compensatory effects order drip under mulch areas.