Drought stress‐induced changes in starch yield and physiological traits in potato

Drought stress is an important limitation for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production as potato depends on appropriate water availability for high yields of good quality. Therefore, especially in the background of climate change, it is an important goal in potato breeding to improve drought stress tolerance. In this study, 34 European starch potato cultivars were evaluated for drought stress tolerance by growing under well‐watered and long‐term drought stress conditions in rainout shelters in 2 years’ pot trials. Besides yield, six physiological traits, that is free proline content, osmolality, total soluble sugar content, chlorophyll content (SPAD), cell membrane stability and crude protein content, were determined in leaves sampled during vegetative growth and during flowering to investigate their association with drought tolerance. ANOVA revealed significant treatment effects for all physiological traits and increased genotypic effects at flowering. The sensitivity of physiological traits to drought was significantly higher during flowering than during vegetative growth. Drought stress decreased starch yield significantly (p < .001), on average by 55%. Starch yield was significantly influenced by genotype and genotype × treatment interactions. Stress tolerance index (STI) calculated from starch yield ranged from 0.26 (sensitive) to 0.76 (tolerant) with significant genotype effects (p ≤ .001). STI correlated positively with cell membrane stability (r = .59) and crude protein content (r = .38) and negatively with osmolality (r = ?.57) and total soluble sugar content (r = ?.71). These contrary correlations suggest a dual adaptation strategy in potato under long‐term drought stress conditions including increased membrane stability combined with an increased osmolality due to an increased soluble sugar content.     

Screening of diverse tall fescue population for salinity tolerance based on SSR marker-physiological trait association

Soil salinity is a notorious abiotic stress which constrains plant growth and limits crop productivity. Recent advances in phytogenetics especially the discovery of marker-trait association have facilitated the efficient selection of stress-tolerant crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) accessions growing under salt stress in order to identify salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive genotypes using physiological and molecular markers. The population consisted of 114 diverse tall fescue accessions which were assessed using 99 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and five functional physiological traits i.e., turf quality, leaf water content, chlorophyll content, relative growth rate, and evapotranspiration rate. Salinity stress induced great variations among the functional physiological traits and there were significant correlations among them. The population structure analysis revealed two distinct populations, while association mapping between the SSRs and phenotypic traits identified significant associations. In addition, the accessions that maintained relatively higher physiological traits had a significantly lower accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl^? in the roots compared to those whose functional traits declined. We identified six most salt-tolerant accessions due to their high values of physiological parameters and significantly low accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl^? in the roots. Similarly, we identified six accessions we considered to be most salt-sensitive as observed by high Na⁺ and Cl^? accumulation plus a decline in the physiological activities. Our findings are helpful to tall fescue breeders with a goal of producing tall fescue cultivars with enhanced salt tolerance.     

白刺对干旱胁迫的生理生化反应

研究白刺幼苗抗旱特性的生理学机制,期望为干旱农业生产提供理论依据。实验采用盆栽,用控制浇水的方法对不同强度的干旱胁迫梯度上对白刺幼苗叶片相对含水量、丙二醛、脯氨酸、可溶性蛋白质、叶绿素含量、超氧离子自由基产生速率和抗氧化酶活性的变化特点进行了研究。试验结果表明：在干旱胁迫下,白刺叶片相对含水量降低、脯氨酸含量呈增加趋势;可溶性蛋白质、叶绿素含量在轻度和中度干旱胁迫时上升,在重度干旱胁迫时显著下降;随着干旱胁迫的加剧,膜透性上升,丙二醛含量和超氧离子自由基产生速率增加。抗氧化系统酶活性测定结果表明,SOD、POD、CAT 3个酶能配合协同作用,降低膜脂过氧化程度,减少水分胁迫造成的伤害。     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Epichloë</Emphasis> endophyte and plant genotype determine seed production through self-pollination in tall fescue

Fitness in tall fescue could be determined as the relative seed production by overcoming self-incompatibility barriers. This study was an attempt to investigate the effects of plant genotype and symbiotic fungal endophyte on seed production and associated traits in tall fescue. Fifteen clones of tall fescue free from endophyte and two clones with both endophyte-infected (E+) and non-infected (E?) counterparts were evaluated under two pollination systems of natural open-pollination and obligate self-pollination. Although seed yield was depressed by self-pollination in all E? genotypes, some genotypes exhibited reasonable selfing ratio. However, endophyte infection was much more effective to increase selfing ratio and seed yield through self-pollination particularly in the genotype 75B. Endophyte infection almost removed self-incompatibilty in the host plants and on average resulted in 3.0 times more number of seeds per self-pollinated seedheads than the non-counterpart E? tall fescue genotypes. Although it may need more elaborated studies, incorporating Epichloë fungal endophyte in plant genotypes not only may make the inbreeding in tall fescue possible but also may improve forage yield and seed production, simultaneously.     

Physiological Evaluation of Drought Resistance in Oats

Twelve varieties of Oat ( Avena sativa L.) were screened for relative drought tolerance based on the magnitude of chlorophyll stability index (CSI), relative water content (RWC) and free proline accumulation. IGFR1-2670, IGFRI-3021, IGFRI-2688 and IGO-8 showed a lower magnitude of CSI under stress condition in comparison to other tested varieties whereas the values of RWC and tree proline accumulation were higher. Based on the observations of this study it is concluded that, of the varieties tested, IGFRI-2670, 3021 2688 and IGO-8 are relatively more drought tolerant than the other genotypes tested. A close agreement was also noticed amongst the trends of CSI and proline accumulation, and per cent reduction in yield in rainfed over irrigated conditions.     

Direct and indirect selection for drought tolerance in alien tetraploid wheat x durum wheat crosses

After the evaluation of numerous accessions of primitive wheats for yield components and morphophysiological traits related to drought tolerance (e.g., maintenance of high relative water content, RWC; photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence, qQ; and chlorophyll loss, chl, under moisture stress conditions), several accessions belonging to three species (Triticum dicoccum, T. polonicum, and T. carthlicum) were crossed with the improved durum wheat varieties Cham 1 and Om Rabi 5. A direct selection (F₂ progeny) for yield and an indirect physiological trait were applied on interspecific T. durum x T. dicoccum, T. durum x T. polonicum, and T. durum x T. carthlicum populations. Divergent selection was applied to validate the possible use of morphophysiological traits (root parameters, RWC, photochemical quenching, proline content, and carbon isotope discrimination) in selection, and to evaluate the resulting effects on yield. Heritability and selection response of these traits has been evaluated, and the impact of divergent selection for morphological and agronomic characters was studied under field conditions. The divergent populations were evaluated under different environmental conditions in France, Syria, and Yemen. Selection for morphophysiological traits related to moisture stress, such as root parameters, RWC and carbon isotope discrimination was possible due to high h² values and effective, resulting in high genetic gains. However, the effect of selection for these traits on yield stability needs to be further studied. Furthermore, a modified bulk method (F₂ 'progeny method') was developed. Direct selection for grain yield per plant in F₂ was carried out and yield per line in F₃ was evaluated under contrasting environmental conditions in France, Syria, and Tunisia. Results revealed that some F₃ lines were higher yielding than the improved durum wheat varieties Cham 1 and Om Rabi 5 under both stressed (Aleppo) and favourable (Montpellier) environmental conditions. Lines were evaluated in preliminary yield trials at Montpellier (France), Aleppo (Syria), and Constantine (Algeria). Results indicated that the use of related species combined with the use of the modified bulk breeding method is promising not only for increasing durum wheat yield in drought prone environments, but also for improving durum wheat yield stability across contrasting environments. Results of both breeding strategies are presented, and the potential advantages of using related tetraploid species in durum wheat breeding for drought tolerance are discussed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Mild Drought Stress‐Induced Changes in Yield,Physiological Processes and Chemical Composition in Festuca,Lolium and Festulolium

The impact of mild drought stress (3 weeks at 40 % field water capacity) on yield, physiological processes, accumulation of proline and phenolic compounds and forage quality parameters in forage grasses was evaluated in pot experiments. During four different growing periods, the effects of water deficit were assessed in nine varieties from five species (Lolium perenne, Lolium multiflorum, Festuca pratensis, Festuca arundinacea and Festulolium braunii). All measured parameters were affected by drought stress in the different cuts. Photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and dry matter yield were significantly lower in drought stress than under well‐watered conditions in all varieties. Higher water‐use efficiency was only observed during the first and fourth drought period, while this was not the case in the second and third. Mild drought stress significantly increased the content of proline, phenolic acid, flavonoids, water‐soluble carbohydrates and protein. All tested grasses showed also an increase of organic matter digestibility and cell wall digestibility under drought stress conditions.     

Response of Mediterranean Tall Fescue Cultivars to Contrasting Agricultural Environments and Implications for Selection

Extensive livestock is a basic socio‐economic feature of the Mediterranean region whose environmental and economic sustainability depends on the ability of forage resources to withstand climatically stressful conditions. Perennial forages such as tall fescue can be a valuable alternative to annuals, if they can survive across successive summer droughts. Three‐year dry matter yield and plant survival of five cultivars of Mediterranean‐type tall fescue were evaluated in six sites of Algeria, France, Italy, Morocco and Portugal, with the following objectives: (i) modelling adaptive responses and targeting cultivars as a function of environmental factors associated with genotype × location interaction; and (ii) defining plant ideotypes, adaptation strategies and opportunities for international co‐operation for regional breeding programmes. Site mean yield and winter temperatures were positively correlated, whereas sward persistence was positively correlated to lower site heat and drought stress. Cultivar adaptation was adequately modelled by factorial regression as a function of site spring–summer (April–September) drought stress (long‐term potential evapotranspiration minus actual water available) for yield, and annual drought stress for final persistence. Specific‐adaptation responses to high‐ or low‐stress environments emerged which were consistent with drought‐stress levels of cultivar selection environments. However, the wide‐adaptation response of cultivar Flecha suggested that breeding for wide adaptation can be feasible.     

外源甜菜碱对干旱胁迫下小麦幼苗叶绿体抗氧化酶及psbA基因表达的调节

为了探究外源甜菜碱对干旱胁迫下小麦幼苗的生长调节作用,以优质高产、高抗旱的小麦品种矮抗58为材料,四叶期分别用0.1、1.0和10.0 mmol L⁻¹的GB预处理小麦叶片,同时在根部施加30%聚乙二醇(PEG-6000)以模拟干旱环境,研究其对小麦超氧化物歧化酶(SOD),过氧化氢酶(CAT),过氧化物酶(POD),丙二醛(MDA)、超氧阴离子自由基()产生速率、叶绿素含量及相对含水量的影响,并采用Real-time PCR测定叶绿体psbA基因表达水平的变化。结果表明,干旱胁迫明显减少小麦叶片相对含水量和叶绿素含量,降低SOD、CAT及POD活性,提升MDA含量和O₂^?产生速率,抑制psbA基因表达水平,而外施GB具一定浓度效应,在适当浓度下能明显缓解这些胁迫反应,调控干旱胁迫下小麦叶绿体抗氧化酶活性以清除多余活性氧,减缓相对含水量及叶绿素含量的降低,提升psbA基因的表达水平,从而加快受损D1蛋白的周转并提高小麦的抗干旱胁迫能力。     

紫斑牡丹(Paeonia rockii)的光合特性及对土壤干旱胁迫的响应

为研究持续干旱处理对紫斑牡丹(Paeonia rockii)光合生理特性的影响,本研究。以实生苗为材料进行盆栽控水试验,设置对照(compared,CK)、轻度胁迫(light stress,LD)、中度胁迫(moderate stress,MD)、重度胁迫(Severe stress,SD)4个水分处理,研究随着干旱胁迫的加剧,叶片水分生理以及光合生理参数的变化。结果表明:在CK、LD、MD水分梯度下,紫斑牡丹生长正常,但在SD胁迫下受影响明显,植株叶片变黄且萎蔫;各胁迫阶段叶厚、叶水势下降明显,相对含水量(relative water content,RWC)降低幅度小,差异不明显,饱和水分亏(water saturation deficit,WSD)有在MD胁迫下有所升高;干旱胁迫抑制了光合色素合成,叶绿素a(Chlorophyll a,Chla)、叶绿素b(Chlorophyll b,Chlb)、叶绿素总含量(total chlorophyll content,Chla+b)、类胡萝卜素(Carotenoids,Car)显著依次下降,叶绿素比值(Chlorophyll ratio,Chla/b)则相反;干旱胁迫导致叶片净光合速率(net photosynthetic rate,Pn)、气孔导度(Stomatal conductance,Gs)以及蒸腾速率(transpiration rate,Tr)呈现下降趋势,但胞间二氧化碳浓度(intercellular carbon dioxide concentration,Ci)则表现为上升后下降,其中水分利用效率(water use efficiency,WUE)在逐渐上升。在轻度和中度干旱的紫斑牡丹表现出一定的适应性和耐旱能力,而长期重度干旱则对紫斑牡丹影响较为严重,在重度干旱地区栽植需考虑水分供给。本研究为干旱地区和城市的园林绿化植物的选择提供理论支持。     

IR64背景耐旱导入系“PD29”分蘖期的抗逆生理特征

以轮回亲本IR64(籼稻)及旱稻材料IRAT109为对照, 系统分析了“PD29”在灌溉(对照)与干旱(胁迫)条件下的相关生理性状特征。研究发现, 遭遇干旱胁迫后, “PD29”植株能够维持较高的相对含水量(RWC)且胁迫后复水2 h该株系的RWC迅速恢复到饱和状态, 表明其具有较强的御旱能力。干旱条件下, “PD29”的PS II最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)、渗透势(Y)、脯氨酸含量(Pro)、活性氧清除系统活性(AOA)均显著高于IR64, 且相对于灌溉处理, 其RWC, F_v/F_m的降低幅度显著低于IR64, 净光合速率(P_n)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、气孔导度(G_s)的降幅, Pro及AOA的增幅均高于IR64。与IRAT109比较, 干旱逆境下“PD29”的Pro含量显著偏高且AOA平均增幅较高。因此认为, “PD29”的优良耐旱性表现与其在逆境下脯氨酸含量及活性氧清除系统活性的显著增强有关。另外, 干旱环境下的P_n、G_s及T_r的显著降低, 表明“PD29”的光合性能可塑性较强, 其光合性能在有利生长环境下能高效表达, 而在土壤水有限的环境下, 能够迅速降低以减少水分的进一步损失。     

Functional mechanisms of drought tolerance in maize through phenotyping and genotyping under well watered and water stressed conditions

Developing tolerant genotypes is crucial for stabilizing maize productivity under drought stress conditions as it is one of the most important abiotic stresses affecting crop yields. Twenty seven genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) were evaluated for drought tolerance for three seasons under well watered and water stressed conditions to identify interactions amongst various tolerance traits and grain yield as well as their association with SSR markers. The study revealed considerable genetic diversity and significant variations for genotypes, environment and genotype × environment interactions for all the traits. The ranking of genotypes based on drought susceptibility index for morpho-physiological traits was similar to that based on grain yield and principal component analysis. Analysis of trait – trait and trait – yield associations indicated significant positive correlations amongst the water relations traits of relative water content (RWC), leaf water potential and osmotic potential as well as of RWC with grain yield under water stressed condition. Molecular analysis using 40 SSRs revealed 32 as polymorphic and 62 unique alleles were detected across 27 genotypes. Cluster analysis resulted in categorization of the genotypes into five distinct groups which was similar to that using principal component analysis. Based on overall performance across seasons tolerant and susceptible genotypes were identified for eventual utilization in breeding programs as well as for QTL identification. The marker-trait association analysis revealed significant associations between few SSR markers with water relations as well as yield contributing traits under water stressed conditions. These associations highlight the importance of functional mechanisms of intrinsic tolerance and cumulative traits for drought tolerance in maize.     

Wheat Rht‐B1 Dwarfs Exhibit Better Photosynthetic Response to Water Deficit at Seedling Stage Compared to the Wild Type

Wheat reduced height (Rht) genes encode modified DELLA proteins, which are gibberellin insensitive, accumulate under stress, restrain growth and affect plant stress response. The seedling reaction to soil water deficit regarding leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence was compared in near‐isogenic lines carrying the alleles Rht‐B1a (tall), Rht‐B1b (semi‐dwarfing) and Rht‐B1c (dwarfing) and was related to leaf water content and anatomy. Under drought, Rht‐B1c line was characterized by less decreased CO₂ assimilation, delayed non‐stomatal limitation of photosynthesis and higher instantaneous water use efficiency. The functional state of its photosynthetic apparatus was better preserved as evidenced by the less decreased actual quantum yield (Φ_PSII) and potential maximum quantum yield (F_v/F_m) of PSII, and the less increased quantum yield of non‐regulated energy dissipation (Φ_NO). Rht‐B1b line also tended to perform better than Rht‐B1a, but differences were less pronounced. Although the leaves of both dwarf lines were smaller, thicker and more pubescent, their water content was not higher in comparison with the tall line. Nevertheless, in Rht‐B1c, leaf thickness was less decreased and mesophyll cells were less shrunk under drought. The more effective performance of the photosynthetic machinery of dwarf lines under water deficit could be explained by a combination of morpho‐anatomical and metabolic characteristics.     

Genetic variation and heritability of forage yield in Mediterranean tall fescue

The genetic control of tall fescue forage yield has been poorly investigated. Full‐sib families from diallel crosses of Mediterranean germplasm were evaluated for forage yield over 34 months in a Mediterranean environment with severe drought stress (diallel 1, with 20 parents) and over 16 months under irrigation in a heated greenhouse simulating the Mediterranean temperature pattern (diallel 2, with 15 parents). Genetic parameters were estimated for fresh biomass in diallel 1 and dry‐matter yield in diallel 2. Additive genetic variance was always larger than non‐additive (dominance) variance. Narrow‐sense heritability was fairly high (h² = 0.61) in diallel 1 and moderate (h² = 0.45) in diallel 2. Predicted yield gains from one selection cycle were larger in the former diallel (23.9%) than in the latter (10.5%), suggesting that gains can be enhanced by selection under severe drought stress and over a time span sufficient to allow the variation in persistence to fully emerge. General combining ability effects of eight parents that were common to both diallel crosses were highly correlated (r = 0.94) across the contrasting evaluation environments. The extent and consistency of additive genetic effects across environments suggest that rapid improvement of forage yield is possible.     

优良牧草与花生间作套种的探讨

首次在河南省对5种优良牧草和花生进行间作套种的研究,并且在牧草与花生“5+6”套作模式的情况下,对比与分析了两者的相互影响、综合生产水平以及可行性。研究表明,套种后紫花苜蓿、白三叶以及苇状羊茅影响花生果实产量,花生果实产量分别下降14.2%、12.6%和7.6%,达到了极显著(前两者)和显著水平。苜蓿和白三叶还对花生的百果重、饱果数有抑制作用,而对总果数影响不大。和紫花苜蓿套作,花生秧产量下降7.3%(p<0.05),与其他牧草套作花生秧的产量无显著影响。与花生的套作能够极显著地促进多年生黑麦草、鸡脚草和苇状羊茅3种禾草的分蘖(11.01%~14.26%)(p<0.01),显著增加其叶面积指数(4.62%~6.37%)和叶绿素含量(5.04%~5.50%)(p<0.05),3种禾草的青干草产量分别提高了8.2%、8.1%、9.3%。花生秧与禾草混合调制成青干草后,饲草中的粗蛋白、粗脂肪和钙的含量得到了显著和极显著的提高,而粗纤维含量却明显降低。与花生套作能够提高紫苜蓿产草量5.8%(p<0.01)和,但豆科牧草与花生秧混合调制以后,粗蛋白、粗纤维以及钙和磷的含量明显下降,粗脂肪得到了极显著的提高。     

Relationship between Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Grain Yield in Spring Wheat under Different Water Regimes and under Saline Conditions in the Ningxia Province (North-west China)

The relationship between grain yield and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) was analysed in wheat grown under different water regimes in the Ningxia Province (north‐west of China). When the association was significant, the relationships between grain yield, Δ and other drought tolerance related traits, such as leaf ash content (m_a), chlorophyll concentration (Chl), relative water content (RWC), stomatal conductance (g_S) and the ratio of internal CO₂ leaf concentration to ambient CO₂ concentration (C_i/C_a), were also examined. Using correlation analysis, the relationships were determined during two consecutive years in a set of 20 spring wheat cultivars (landraces, improved varieties and advanced lines) under rainfed and irrigated conditions, including saline conditions. The relationship between Δ and yield within environments highly depended on the quantity of water stored in the soil at sowing, the quantity and distribution of rainfall during the growth cycle, and the irrigation before anthesis. Δ predicted grain yield under limited irrigation (post‐anthesis water stress) but not under pre‐anthesis water stress (rainfed conditions), fully irrigated and saline conditions. Under limited irrigation, grain Δ correlated significantly to grain yield leaf m_a at heading and maturity. It also significantly positively correlated to Chl, RWC, g_S and C_i/C_a assessed at anthesis. A precise characterization of the timing and intensity of the abiotic constraints experienced by the crop is consequently needed before implementing the use of Δ in wheat breeding programmes.     

Estimation of salt tolerance in Andrographis paniculata accessions using multiple regression model

The complexity and polygenic nature of the salt tolerance trait in plants needs to develop a multiple indicator in the screening process. The mentioned issue led us to carry out an experiment to identify tolerant genotypes through multiple parameters in Andrographis paniculata. For this purpose, the 40-days seedlings were grown in different salinity levels (control, 4, 8, 12 and 16?dS?m^?1) on Hoagland??s medium. The results indicated that salinity had a significant effect on the morphological, physiological and biochemical traits. All measured morphological traits, and chlorophyll, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ content were significantly decreased with increasing salinity levels, while proline and Na⁺ content increased. The present exploration revealed that, salt tolerance index (STI), using the multiple regression model, demonstrated a more stable trend than the single variable assay (total dry weight). Furthermore, STI based on multiple regression analysis gives an accurate definition of salt-tolerant individuals. Under salt stress, tolerant accessions had high STI and produced higher proline, K⁺ and Ca²⁺, and lower Na⁺ content than sensitive accessions. Cluster analysis based on related traits to STI, indicated high similarity in each group. These outcomes can be utilized to evaluate the salt tolerance threshold in the species and may have a great advantage over conventional methods. Probably, our upshots can be applied in the next breeding programs to develop salt-tolerant varieties.     

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Hexaploid and Tetraploid Wheat to Drought Stress

An experiment was conducted to investigate the physiological and biochemical responses of two hexaploids viz., C 306 (water stress tolerant) and Hira (water stress susceptible), and two tetraploids, HW 24 (Triticum dicoccum) and A 9‐30‐1 (Triticum durum) wheat genotypes to water stress under pot culture condition. Water stress was imposed for a uniform period of 10 days at 50, 60 and 70 days after sowing (DAS) and observations were recorded at 60, 70 and 80 DAS. Total dry matter and plant height were recorded at harvest. Water stress caused a decline in relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll and carotenoid content, membrane stability and nitrate reductase activity and increased accumulation of proline at all stages and abscisic acid (ABA) at 80 DAS in all the genotypes. Both the tetraploids showed a lower reduction in RWC and highest ABA accumulation under water stress. Among the hexaploids Hira showed the most decline in RWC and the lowest ABA accumulation. The tetraploids also showed comparatively higher carotenoid content and membrane stability, closely followed by C 306, while Hira showed the minimum response under water stress. Nitrate reductase activity and chlorophyll content under irrigated conditions were highest in Hira but under water stress the lowest per cent decline was observed in C 306, followed by HW 24, A 9‐30‐1, and Hira. Proline accumulation under water stress conditions was highest in hexaploids C 306 and Hira and lowest in tetraploids HW 24 and A 9‐30‐1. Tetraploids HW 24, followed by A 9‐30‐1 maintained higher plant height and total dry matter (TDM) under water stress and also showed a lower per cent decline under stress than hexaploids C 306 and Hira. From the results it is clear that proline accumulation did not contribute to better drought tolerance of tetraploids than hexaploids. It is also apparent that water stress tolerance is the result of the cumulative action of various physiological processes, and all the parameters/processes may not be positively associated with the drought tolerance of a particular tolerant genotype.     

高温对高羊茅几个生理指标的影响

摘要：研究高羊茅“猎狗5号”（Houndog5）在适温（15℃、25℃）和高温（35℃、45℃）相对含水量（RWC）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性、丙二醛（MDA）含量、脯氨酸（PRO）含量等生理指标的变化。结果表明：在高温下,以15℃为对照, RWC含量和CAT活性明显下降, MDA和Pro含量明显增加,导致细胞膜脂过氧化,膜结构被破坏,生理功能紊乱,抗性下降,这是其越夏困难、易发病的主要原因。相关分析表明,RWC 与CAT呈极显著正相关（r>0.95）,RWC 、CAT与MDA 、PRO呈极显著负相关（r>-0.95）,MDA与PRO呈极显著相关（r>0.95）。可选择测定相对容易的RWC和PRO两个生理指标作为选育耐热品种的重要参数,将大大减少工作量,提高工作效率。     

玉米叶片光合作用和渗透调节对干旱胁迫的响应

以2个不同抗旱性玉米品种郑单958 (抗旱性强)和陕单902 (抗旱性弱)为材料,采用盆栽控水试验,设置3个干旱处理(轻度干旱、中度干旱、重度干旱)和正常灌水,研究了干旱胁迫对2个玉米品种气体交换、叶绿素荧光参数和渗透调节物质的影响。结果显示, 重度干旱造成2个玉米品种叶片光合机构紊乱,破坏细胞膜完整性;同时增加了渗透调节物质,这对增强叶片的保水能力,维持光合速率有重要的作用。但与陕单902相比,干旱胁迫下郑单958表现出较高的最大净光合速率(P_nmax),表观量子效率(AQY),光饱和点(LSP),最大电子传递速率(J_max),最大羧化速率(V_cmax),PSII的实际量子产量(Φ_PSII)和光化学猝灭系数(q_P);较高的脯氨酸(Pro)和可溶性糖含量(SS);较低的丙二醛含量(MDA)。这些结果表明,干旱胁迫下抗旱品种郑单958具有较强的渗透物质能力,减轻细胞膜质过氧化程度,维持较高的光合性能是其适应干旱环境的生理基础。