Effects of Water Stress on Gas Exchange, Water Relations and Leaf Structure in Two Ornamental Shrubs in the Mediterranean Area

Abstract

One of the main problems in the Mediterranean area is the long dry season, and hence there is a need to individuate plants that are tolerant to low water availability. The mechanisms adopted by different plant species to overcome drought stress conditions and reduce water loss could allow the identification of tolerant species to drought stress, thereby increasing the sustainability of ornamental plant utilization in green areas. In this regard, the aim of this study was to investigate the morphological, physiological, and anatomical responses of Polygala myrtifolia L. and Viburnum tinus L. ‘Lucidum’ irrigated under different irrigation deficits. In pot plants, four water regimes were adopted (10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of water container capacity (WC)). Drought stress significantly reduced the biomass accumulation in both shrubs. In Viburnum, total dry biomass reduction was observed only in 10% WC with a reduction by 33%, while in Polygala, this was observed both in 20% WC and 10% WC (~48%). The higher deficit irrigation conditions improve the root-to-shoot ratio, which was increased in Polygala 20% WC (by 20%) but not in Viburnum ones. The latter species shows higher drought tolerance, as demonstrated by the gas exchange values, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf structure, and water relationship.