Glycinebetaine application ameliorates negative effects of drought stress in tobacco.

摘要

Two tobacco cultivars differing in drought tolerance were used to study the effects of foliar-applied glycinebetaine (GB; 80 mM) under well-watered and water-deficit conditions. The latter affected shoot biomass and height, with a more significant decrease observed in the drought-sensitive cultivar than in the drought-resistant cultivar. Foliar-applied GB was absorbed, accumulated by tobacco leaves and improved growth of plants subjected to water deficit. GB-treated plants maintained leaf water status apparently due to the improved osmotic adjustment. GB application enhanced the photosynthesis in water-deficit experiencing plants, mostly due to a greater stomatal conductance and carboxylation efficiency of CO2 assimilation. Photosystem II (PSII) activity in GB-treated plants was higher, as suggested by higher actual efficiency of PSII ( phi PSII). GB increased antioxidant enzyme activities under water deficit. All these effects resulted in an improved shoot biomass and height. Therefore, foliar GB application at the rapid growth stage favours plant growth in drought-stressed plants, mainly by improving water status and increasing PSII activity..