Rapid changes in root HvPIP2;2 aquaporins abundance and ABA concentration are required to enhance root hydraulic conductivity and maintain leaf water potential in response to increased evaporative demand

Abstract

To address the involvement of abscisic acid (ABA) in regulating transpiration and root hydraulic conductivity (LpRoot) and their relative importance for maintaining leaf hydration, the ABA-deficient barley mutant Az34 and its parental wild-type (WT) genotype (cv. Steptoe) were grown in hydroponics and exposed to changes in atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) imposed by air warming. WT plants were capable of maintaining leaf water potential (ψL) that was likely due to increased LpRoot enabling higher water flow from the roots, which increased in response to air warming. The increased LpRoot and immunostaining for HvPIP2;2 aquaporins (AQPs) correlated with increased root ABA content of WT plants when exposed to increased air temperature. The failure of Az34 to maintain ψL during air warming may be due to lower LpRoot than WT plants, and an inability to respond to changes in air temperature. The correlation between root ABA content and LpRoot was further supported by increased root hydraulic conductivity in both genotypes when treated with exogenous ABA (10−5 M). Thus the ability of the root system to rapidly regulate ABA levels (and thence aquaporin abundance and hydraulic conductivity) seems important to maintain leaf hydration.