Photosynthesis of winter wheat effectively reflected multiple physiological responses under short‐term drought–rewatering conditions

• Published in: Journal of the science of food and agriculture 2022-04, Vol.102 (6), p.2472-2483
• Main Authors: Mu, Qing, Dong, Mengqi, Xu, Jiatun, Cao, Yuxin, Ding, Yibo, Sun, Shikun, Cai, Huanjie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural management; antioxidant protection; Drought; Drought resistance; Droughts; Indicators; Moisture resistance; osmotic adjustment; Parameters; Peroxidase; Photosynthesis; Photosynthesis - physiology; Physiological responses; Physiology; Plant Leaves; regulated deficit irrigation; Seasons; Soil moisture; Soil water; Stomata; Stomatal conductance; Transpiration; Triticum; Triticum aestivum; Water; Water consumption; Water use; Water use efficiency; Wheat; Winter wheat
• ISSN: 0022-5142; 1097-0010
• DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11587

BACKGROUND Based on the interrelationship among photosynthesis (Pn), water consumption and drought resistance physiology under water changes, this study aimed to explore whether easily measured Pn could be used to reflect the physiological state of winter wheat and soil moisture. The study was a greenhouse pot experiment, with three growth periods and four gradients of moisture. RESULTS The instantaneous water use efficiency of wheat improved significantly under short‐term regulated deficit irrigation conditions. The photosynthetic parameters could effectively reflect the level of soil moisture (receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, area under the curve = 0.683–0.988). There was a significant correlation between Pn and yield under drought and rewatering (P