Risk-taking plants: anisohydric behavior as a stress-resistance trait

Plant Signal Behav. 2012 Jul;7(7):767-70. doi: 10.4161/psb.20505. Epub 2012 Jul 1.

Abstract

Water scarcity is a critical limitation for agricultural systems. Two different water management strategies have evolved in plants: an isohydric strategy and an anisohydric strategy. Isohydric plants maintain a constant midday leaf water potential (Ψleaf) when water is abundant, as well as under drought conditions, by reducing stomatal conductance as necessary to limit transpiration. Anisohydric plants have more variable Ψleaf and keep their stomata open and photosynthetic rates high for longer periods, even in the presence of decreasing leaf water potential. This risk-taking behavior of anisohydric plants might be beneficial when water is abundant, as well as under moderately stressful conditions. However, under conditions of intense drought, this behavior might endanger the plant. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these two water-usage strategies and their effects on the plant's ability to tolerate abiotic and biotic stress. The involvement of plant tonoplast AQPs in this process will also be discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture
  • Plant Physiological Phenomena*
  • Plant Stomata / microbiology
  • Plant Stomata / physiology*
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable*
  • Stress, Physiological*
  • Water / metabolism*

Substances

  • Water