Research advances on drought resistance mechanism of plant species in arid zones of China

摘要

Drought and shortage of water resources, which restrict the economy, society development and environmental protection, are key factors in arid zones of China. In the arid zones of Western China, researching plant drought resistance mechanism, selecting plant species with higher drought resistance, and developing water-saving techniques, are important for environmental improvement and economic development. This paper reviews research advances on drought resistance mechanism of plant species, based on research of morphological, physiological, and ecological adaptation mechanism of plant species under drought stress, such as anatomical structure of root systems and leaves, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme system, malondialdehyde (MDA), osmotic adjustment, endogenous hormone, drought-induced proteins and δ 13 C. Finally, this paper points out the key field of future research.