Morpho-Anatomical Traits for Plant Adaptation to Drought

Abstract

Plant resistance to drought relies on adaptive strategies based on the timing of phenophases and on the presence of structural traits mainly related to:(1) increase of water uptake and storage; (2) reduction of water loss during dry periods; and (3) mechanical reinforcement of tissues to prevent wilting that may lead to irreversible collapse and damage of cells. In this chapter, after a few evolutionary considerations, we focus on the adaptive value of the main phenological, morphological and anatomical properties. We report the common existence of such traits in both desert and semiarid environments, especially in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. All morpho-anatomical characteristics are interpreted considering that plant resistance to drought also depends on the ability to respond to multiple stressors. We conclude that various combinations of anatomical features can contribute in different degrees to the adaptive capacity of plants to drought.

Lignin in Woody Plants under Water Stress: A Review

“…Controlling the efficiency and safety of water transport from roots to shoots is fundamental for the survival of terrestrial plants under water stressed conditions. With changes predicted in seasonal drought patterns, especially under climate change, traditional/evolved mechanisms of drought tolerance or avoidance may no longer be uniquely able to guide plants to survival (De Micco & Aronne, 2012).…”

Seasonal switchgrass ecotype contributions to soil organic carbon, deep soil microbial community composition and rhizodeposit uptake during an extreme drought

“…greater SRL, m g À1 ) and greater association with saprotrophic fungi may enhance soil water uptake by Summer if these fungi help roots maintain better connections with the soil as it dries (Rapparini and Peñuelas, 2014). In addition, there may be physiological differences in plant membrane composition, such as phenolic content that confer drought resistance to switchgrass ecotypes (De Micco and Aronne, 2012).…”

Drought-stressed tomato plants trigger bottom-up effects on key mite pests

“…Morphological changes mediated through acclimation to drought stress include reductions in growth and leaf area, changes in stomatal density and enhanced leaf thickness to increase water retention (De Micco and Aronne 2012;Clauw et al, 2015). Plants also reduce their growth by modulating both cell division and cell expansion, as ways to save and redistribute resources that can become limited under stress (Skirycz and Inze 2010;Xu et al, 2010;).…”