Physiological basis for controlling water consumption by two snap beans genotypes using different anti-transpirants

• Published in: Agricultural water management 2019-04, Vol.214, p.17-27
• Main Authors: AbdAllah, Ahmed M., Mashaheet, Alsayed M., Zobel, Richard, Burkey, Kent O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fine roots; Kaolin; Pinolene; Transpiration; Very fine roots; Water use efficiency
• ISSN: 0378-3774; 1873-2283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2018.12.029

•We investigated the potential of anti-transpirants to reduce plant water consumption.•Kaolin application reduced water consumption and increased water use efficiency.•Kaolin- and Fulvic acid-treated plants showed thicker very fine and fine roots.•The use of Kaolin alleviated water deficit effects and increased plants’ survival. Enhancing water use efficiency (WUE), while maintaining productivity, represents a challenge, particularly, in arid and semi-arid environments. The use Antitranspirants (ATs) is an effective approach to mitigate water deficit- and drought-induced yield losses, via reducing transpiration. This study aimed to determine the effects of ATs compounds on WUE and root and shoot physiological responses of two snap bean genotypes with different ozone sensitivity [tolerant (R123) and sensitive (S156)]. Under glasshouse conditions, plants were sprayed (25 days after planting) with 4% (w/v) kaolin (KPF); 0.0015% (w/v) Fulvic acid (FA); 1% (v/v) Pinolene (PIN) or water (control). Treatments were subjected to three irrigation/drying cycles, and then exposed to survivability test by ceasing irrigation. Water consumption (WC), leaf water potential (Ψw), total dry matter (TDM), dry matter accumulation rate (DMAR), leaf temperature, plant survival and root development were determined. There was a minimal genotype effect on all parameters, except TDM, DMAR, and fine-root diameter and length. KPF treatment was cooler than the control (