Physiological plasticity and water use of Setaria viridis (L.) under abiotic stresses

What is it about?

Setaria viridis is a promising C4 plant system to investigate water stress and heat tolerance. The physiological plasticity of six accessions (Zha-1, A10.1, Ula-1, Ast-1, Aba-1, and Sha-1) originated from different parts of the world were studied under abiotic stresses. Expression analysis of genes associated with C4 photosynthesis, aquaporins, ABA biosynthesis and signaling including genes involved in stress was also carried out.

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Why is it important?

Zha-1, A10.1 and Ula-1 showed higher leaf water potential (Ψleaf), photosynthesis (A), transpiration (E), and stomatal conductance (gs) rates compared to Ast-1, Aba-1 and Sha-1 under stress. Correlation analysis of gene expression data with physiological and biochemical changes characterized A10.1 and Ast-1 as two extreme tolerant and sensitive accessions originated from the United States and Azerbaijan under water-deficit and heat stress, respectively. In conclusion, the S. viridis accessions exhibit plasticity in their physiological, gene expression and biochemical responses to water-deficit and heat stresses. The contrasting genotypes could be used to study the mechanisms associated with stress tolerance and to characterize of the regulatory networks involved in C4 grasses.

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