Growth and water deficit resistance of a Peruvian ecotype of Arundo donax L

• Published in: South sustainability Vol. 1; no. 1
• Main Author: Mauricio Saez
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidad Científica del Sur 01.06.2020
• Subjects: drought; Energy crops; Peru; water stress
• ISSN: 2708-7077
• DOI: 10.21142/SS-0101-2020-010

The aim of the study was to assess the behavior of a Peruvian ecotype of Arundo donax L., when subjected to water stress under greenhouse conditions, and to analyze the plant’s physiological and growth parameters. For a period of 30 days, in 9.5 L pots, the species was submitted to drought conditions: daily water of 200 ml for the control (100 % of the pot capacity); 100 ml for moderate drought (SM; 50 % of the pot capacity); and 50 ml for severe drought (SS; 25 % of the pot capacity). A slight reduction in the relative water content (RWC), a reduction in plant leaf area (LA) and a favorable increase in the dry weight of both the root and aerial sections of the plant were identified. Although a reduction in chlorophyll concentration was observed, in general terms the species responded favorably to severe drought conditions. The results of the study offer a promising assessment of the tolerance displayed by A. donax to severe water stress and its potential biomass production under such conditions.